Student Artists Shine at Superintendent's Art Competition

An Evening of Art, Music, and Recognition at the Education Center

On the evening of Monday, February 23, 2026, the Education Center was transformed into a vibrant showcase of creativity as the district hosted its annualSuperintendent’s Art Competition Reception and Awards. Students, families, principals, and art teachers gathered to celebrate the artistic achievements of young people from schools across the district.

The evening began with a Gallery Walk, inviting guests to stroll through the Education Center and admire student artwork displayed throughout the building. Refreshments were served, and the atmosphere was enhanced by the Ben Davis High School String Quartet—a perfect accompaniment to an evening celebrating the arts.

Guests assembled in the Board Room for the awards ceremony. One artist from each school was honored for their outstanding work. From that distinguished group, an overall winner from Elementary and Secondary was selected to receive special recognition.

Each grand prize winner received a beautiful glass art award as a symbol of their achievement. In addition, their artwork was purchased by the district, and both pieces will be placed onpermanent display in the Superintendent’s Art Gallery in the Education Center, where the entire school community can enjoy them for years to come.

Meet the 2026 Winners

Elementary Winner: Quinn Downs— Garden City Elementary

Quinn Downs of Garden City Elementary captured the hearts of judges with a remarkable piece that demonstrated both technical skill and creative vision. Quinn’s artwork will now hold a permanent place in the Superintendent’s Art Gallery.

 

Secondary Winner: Raiden Cordero-Herring — Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center

Raiden Cordero-Herring of Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center earned top honors in the Secondary division with an impressive work that showcased maturity of style and artistic expression. Raiden’s piece will also join the permanent collection in the Superintendent’s Art Gallery

Congratulations to All Honorees

The evening recognized one artist from every school in the district. The following students were honored for their exceptional talent and creativity:

Elementary Student Artists

Rachel Cowell   —  Chapel Glen Elementary

Quinn Downs   —  Garden City Elementary

Sydney Dunn   —  Westlake Elementary

Rashawn ‘RJ’ Finney   —  Sanders School

Obaloluwa ‘Megan’ Gbadebo   —  Robey Elementary

Arturo Justo-Tovias   —  Maplewood Elementary

Savannah Matthews   —  Bridgeport Elementary

Lilly Moore   —  Stout Field Elementary

Hazel Rieff   —  Wayne Township Preschool

Loza Tesfahannes   —  Rhoades Elementary

Mya Wilson   —  North Wayne Elementary

Carter Woodruff  —  Chapelwood Elementary

Jalissia Yates   —  McClelland Elementary

Secondary Student Artists

Brittany Calix Bonilla   —  Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center

Kaleb Chancahuire Meza   —  Ben Davis High School

Raiden Cordero-Herring   —  Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center

Julianna Menjivar   —  Ben Davis University High School

Kelly Ortiz-Rosales  —  Ben Davis 9th Grade Center

The Superintendent’s Art Competition is a treasured district tradition that celebrates the creativity and hard work of our student artists and the dedicated art teachers who inspire them. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, and a special thank you to the Ben Davis High School String Quartet for adding their musical talent to an unforgettable evening.