SAN JOSE, CA – At the 21st annual Young Artists Showcase celebration on Tuesday, May 23, Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) honored student artists and educators championing arts education. This art competition features student works from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade in Santa Clara County.
"Programs like the Young Artists Showcase are so important, because they allow us as administrators, as educators, as parents to come together and recognize and celebrate, and encourage the continued creativity of our artists," said Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez-Chien, Chief Academic Officer for the SCCOE.
From thousands of submissions, 30 pieces of art were selected from the elementary and middle school student artists, focusing on the theme "Heart," demonstrating how art comes from the heart. 24 high school student works were selected from the ArtNow contest held in conjunction with the New Museum Los Gatos High School Art Competition; high school art focused on the theme "Choices."
Each of these winning works will become a part of the permanent collection housed at the SCCOE Ridder Park location.
Also, three education professionals received the Arts Principal Leadership Award. This award is given to principals, site leaders, or district level leaders who have shown outstanding support and leadership for Arts Education in Santa Clara County.
This year's honorees are:
- Amy Steele, principal at John Muir Elementary School in Cupertino Union School District.
- Brad Craycroft, principal at Leland High School in San Jose Unified School District.
- Laurie Stapleton, secondary director of Curriculum and Instruction in Santa Clara Unified School District.
"In schools, support for the Arts is critical in ensuring students receive equitable access to Arts Education and inspirational leadership helps to make this a reality," said Jeannine Flores, the Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for the SCCOE.
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