While it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, the art program is advancing year by year. On Thursday, April 26, selected students from the drawing, painting and ceramics classes went to Highland, Kansas to showcase their art while competing against students from other schools.

“While doing an on sight competition there are judges that walk around and look at the different artworks, and they award artistic merits, artistic excellence, or best in show. It’s a huge honor to get a ribbon and the best of shows get the most points. Whichever school with the most points wins the art show,” said Sloane McKinney, 10, art show competitor.

Spring Hill competed in the 4A, 5A and 6A competition against many schools from around the district. Spring Hill achieved first out of the rest of the schools, and many students took home prizes for their specific pieces. Evi Heinen, 11,  took home four awards for four different pieces, three drawings and one painting.

“My favorite piece was probably Steinbeck. I think it’s very different from what I normally do, and it’s a pretty popular photo so I feel like everybody can understand it and I think it’s also unique because the background is gray and it’s charcoal and I like using charcoal,” said Heinen.

Honorable Mention recipients include Evi Heinen, Madalynn Hastings, 11, Sloane McKinney, Kathryn Lockard, 12, and Tanner Gerstberger, 12. Artistic excellence recipients include Evi Heinen, Miranda Versaw, 11, Taylor Rowan, 12, Kathryn Lockard, and Garrett Smith, 11. The recipients of best in show were awarded to Evi Heinen, Taylor Rowan, Tanner Gerstberger, and Skylar Noel, 11.

“I [was excited] to go because I got to spend time with all my art friends, we made a good project together and we just support each other a lot,”  said Heinen.

The art students will wrap up their year with league, hosted at Spring Hill. The show is Wednesday, May 2.