NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
February 29, 2012 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
South Pointe Panthers Leap with Pride!
7th Grade Student Wins 1st Place in Cultural Art Contest
DIAMOND BAR, CA--South Pointe Middle School 7th grade student Harrison Chang has been named a First Place winner in the 2012 African American Heritage Month Poster Competition sponsored by the City of Los Angeles.
The announcement was made on Leap Day, February 29, by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a ceremony held at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles.
African American Heritage Month in February launched a month of cultural events
Including the “Our Inventors – Stepping Back into the Future” Poster Contest open to all Los Angeles County students (grades K-12) that encouraged the creation of original artwork.
Harrison found out on the previous day that he was selected as a Finalist in the contest.
“I was surprised and happy,” Harrison said. And he said he was excited to meet Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
The placement of the awards was not revealed until the awards presentation.
Harrison took the top prize in the 6th -8th grade category.
“It is reassuring to know that we are instilling a respect for diversity in all our students. Harrison Chang, is a fine example of that and a great artist as well!” said Principal Susan Arzola who accompanied him to the event.
Lunch was provided after the ceremony and all students took home their premium art supply packets and other gifts from Wells Fargo and other sponsors.
Students selected from a list of 14 notable inventors and their artwork was to depict how the inventor/invention has impacted their life.
Judging was based on originality, creativity, and interpretation of the African American Heritage Month contest theme.
The event included art activities and a tour of the museum, following the Awards Presentation. The young arts took home their framed artwork, with the exception of the first place winners whose work will be displayed in the City Hall offices.
Harrison chose inventor Elijah “Real” McCoy because he sees a train go by every day when he goes to his mother’s office.
“When I read about him, I learned that he invented a steam lubricator that oils a train while it is moving. I thought that was cool,” he said.
The 12 year-old used acrylic paint on illustration board for his entry.
Harrison said he likes to draw.
“Whenever you have an idea, you can just put it down so you don’t forget about it.”
This was even his first time using acrylic paint; he typically uses colored pencils.
SHOWN:
Harrison Chang, shown at right, during the Awards Ceremony with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
7th grader Harrison Chang has been named a 1st Place winner in the 2012 African American Heritage Month Poster Competition sponsored by the City of Los Angeles.