Elementary students in the Mount Pleasant Community School District were recognized for their artistic achievements during the school board’s regular meeting on April 13th.
Art teacher Holly McDow highlighted several students from Salem and Lincoln Elementary as part of the district’s Student Spotlight, tied to Youth Art Month, a national celebration each March that promotes art education and student creativity.
Second grader Audrey Johnson received one of the state’s top honors—the Governor’s Award—with only about 20 students across Iowa selected. Her artwork was displayed at the Iowa Capitol Building in Des Moines, where she also had the opportunity to attend a recognition ceremony and meet the governor. Audrey’s award-winning piece, featuring dinosaurs set against a cityscape, was proudly matted and framed and is ready to be displayed at home. When asked where it would hang, Audrey said she wasn’t sure yet—but made it clear she’ll be the one to choose the spot.
Two other students were also recognized for their work. Second grader Brooklynn Schell and first grader SaMia Goode were selected to have their artwork featured in the Youth Art Month Show in Des Moines, with their pieces displayed at Jordan Creek Mall alongside around 100 student works from across the state.
Schell also earned second place in the elementary division of the show, receiving a gift certificate for art supplies to continue perfecting her craft at home. Schell proudly described the mixed media scene she created featuring an owl on the hunt for its prey on a snowy night. The background featured several trees and houses on the landscape and a big orange moon because “sometimes the moon is orange.”
SaMia’s artwork depicted a green and purple turtle. When asked about the colors she chose, SaMia said the purple on the turtle was her favorite.
McDow said the annual event showcases student talent statewide and provides young artists with the opportunity to have their work judged and displayed in multiple venues. The students worked on these pieces earlier this year with McDow noting an art lesson to create artwork like the ones showcased typically in two or three classes.
School officials praised the students for their accomplishments and recognized the importance of art education in fostering creativity and expression at an early age.