Local Students Finalize in Crayola National Art Expo
June 9, 2017 • Diocese of St. Augustine

Palmer Catholic Academy in Ponte Vedra Beach is honored to have ten students recognized in Crayola’s 2016-2017 Empowering Students through Creative Leadership Art Exhibition.

Finalist of the Crayola Art Expo, from left, Sara, Delaney, Ramey and Jacob of Palmer Catholic Academy.

Crayola offers this as “an opportunity for students to explore their vision, confront their fears, become collaborators, and learn to balance priorities.” The national contest was open to students from Pre-K to 12th Grade, each grade level facing a slightly different challenge under the umbrella, “What Creative Leadership Means to Me.”

Four Palmer students, Sarah (8th Grade), Delaney (6th Grade), Ramey (4th Grade), and Jacob (3rd Grade) are finalists in Crayola’s National Art Exhibition.

“The finalists’ artwork showed a true connection to the theme, had stunning visual appeal, presented age-appropriate critical thinking and responded to the theme with originality,” said Crayola Art Expo representative, Susan Dobias in a congratulatory letter to the students’ Art Teacher, Katie Corrigan. Thousands of pieces were submitted from students across the country with the top 30 finalists becoming part of the U.S. Department of Education’s permanent curated collection of “globally inspiring” children’s art on display in Washington, D.C.

Jacob shows off his winning artwork with his art teacher, Katie Corrigan.

“We are very grateful to Crayola for such a wonderful opportunity to build creative leadership and encourage self-expression in our student artists,” said Linda Earp, principal.

Additionally, Dobias said, “While the artwork for the U.S. Department of Education’s permanent collection had reached maximum capacity, we were so inspired by your students, submissions we’d like to provide an opportunity for their art to be included in Crayola’s Education Resources.” Those students include Kate (4th Grade), Isabella (7th Grade), Mary Clare (5th Grade), Miel (8th Grade), Jacob (2nd Grade) and Sara (7th Grade).

“Each submission provided a look into the mind of the student artist. We were truly inspired by the powerful ways students connected creative leadership to their personal experiences,” she added.

The four finalists will receive a plaque featuring a replica of their original artwork and artist’s statements while all ten students and Corrigan receives $200 in Crayola products.

What a great end to the school year and a perfect way to kick off a colorfully creative summer!

Palmer Catholic Academy is a Blue Ribbon, A+ Accredited, Pre-K through 8th Grade Catholic school.