Student artists recognized for excellence

Published 11:06 am Wednesday, January 13, 2016

By Bobby Tingle

Bobby.tingle@orangeleader.com

ORANGE — Saint Mary Catholic School was recognized as the school with the most students considered for Best of Show at the Houston Livestock Art Show. Art teacher, Cindy Claybar, entered fourteen pieces into competition but wanted to enter more. The competition took place Jan. 7.

“I was amazed that six of our students art was pulled to be considered for Best of Show”, said Claybar. Her students competed with other students from parochial and private schools from the entire Houston area.

“Preparing the documentation to satisfy the high standards for eligibility is a meticulous process”, said Claybar, “one mistake can disqualify a piece from competition.”

Student winners include: Paris Dugas, Kindergarten won Finalist Award/Best of Show; Clay Darby, 2nd grade won 1st place; Addyson Orillion, 4th grade won Finalist; Brady Anderson, 5th grade won Finalist; Chris Braquet, 5th grade won Finalist; Chloe Pellerin, 5th grade won Finalist/Best of Show; Peyton McKee, 6th grade won 2nd place; Jaci Doucet, 6th grade won 1st place; Carlee Dupry, 6th grade won 1st place; Audrey Johnson, 7th grade won 1st place; Mark Pesek, 7th grade won 2nd place; Mallory Huggins, 7th grade won Finalist; Kaitlyn Orillion, 8th grade won 2nd place; Matthew Erb, 8th grade won 1st place.

The art entered by students was created with the theme, “Western Art”. The Houston Livestock Art Show is the largest art competition for students in Texas.

According to Donna Darby, School Principal, St. Mary’s had many more students with pieces of art that could have been entered.

“We were limited to fourteen entries by our enrollment. It was difficult to narrow the entries down to fourteen”, said Darby, adding, “The level of passion and talent Cindy brings out in the children is amazing.”

Claybar works well with the students to inspire and educate each one. The student’s work is displayed in the school.