REDWATER, Texas -- Redwater High School art students recently excelled at the regional Visual Arts Scholastic Event competition.
According to their art teacher, Carrie Slay, the 15 participants won 26 regional medals, with four of the students qualifying for the state competition.
"I see the progress my students make on a daily basis, and I love knowing that I am enabling them to push their creative boundaries and do things they never thought possible.
"The overall success at VASE makes me feel overwhelmingly proud, and like the art program is going in a good direction. My students' successes are their own, and I am just happy to be a part of them," Slay said.
Slay spoke of 11th grader Melody Ford, who qualified for state this year after overcoming shyness that affected her during the last VASE competition.
"This year, Melody was able to overcome her fears. She created two outstanding artworks, earning two regional medals and securing a state spot," Slay said.
Slay said all of her students have grown over the course of the year, but Ford stands out the most to her.
State-qualifying students include Cherry Crump, Melody Ford, Cami McWilliams and Samantha Stacy.
Regional double medallists include Cherry Crump, Melody Ford, Cami McWilliams, Samantha Stacy, Thomas Binning, Karsyn Burns, Kayle Fryar, Lydia Martin, Lily McMurriam, Shailyn Quillin, Tiffiny Reed, Mackenzie Thornton and McKenzie Johnson.
Regional single medallists include Eva Blair and Greyson Kelley.