In celebration of State Senator Don DeWitte’s 2020 Fifth Grade Art Contest, winners gathered Thursday at Colonial Cafe in St. Charles for an ice cream social, where Sen. DeWitte recognized and awarded them for their achievement and talent.
This is the first year Sen. DeWitte has hosted the art contest, and he says he is amazed by the students’ creativity.
“Art is such an important aspect of our children’s education,” said Sen. DeWitte. “It promotes critical thinking and creativity, and allows students to express their thoughts in unique ways.”
Earlier in the year, under the direction of their art teachers, fifth-grade students from around the 33rd Senate District were asked to submit artwork with themes symbolic of Illinois, their community, and our country. Judged by Anne Becker, Eastern Illinois University Art Education Instructor, 12 students were chosen as overall winners, eight of which were able to attend Thursday’s celebration.
Winners include:
*indicates their attendance at the celebration
- Maya DeFranco*, Conley Elementary
- Carson Elder, Conley Elementary
- Valerie Vollrath*, Century Oaks Elementary
- Emily Perez, Century Oaks Elementary
- Chloe Toppel, Century Oaks Elementary
- Daniela Estrada*, Sleepy Hollow Elementary
- Connor McCrate, Sleepy Hollow Elementary
- Nathaniel Martinez*, Gilberts Elementary
- Genevieve Dosek*, Gilberts Elementary
- Izabella Boniak*, Patrick Catholic School
- Daniel McNellis*, Patrick Catholic School
- Megan Doughty*, Patrick Catholic School
Following the award ceremony, students participated in an ice cream social and took part in an art project led by Natalie Pivoney, who is an artist educator at Side Street Studio Arts and U-46 Art teacher.
“It was a joy to get to congratulate and get to know these artistic students and recognize their incredible talents,” said Sen. DeWitte. “I’d like to thank the art teachers for not only allowing their students to participate in this contest, but also for their dedication to our students in the classroom. I look forward to working with them again next year.”
To view the students’ artwork, click here.