Cy-Fair High School Class of 2022 graduate Lily Forbes takes a picture next to her art piece that was submitted in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program. The Rodeo School Art Program is one of many contests that CFISD students enter their work in throughout the year. CFISD also showcases rodeo artwork at a district exhibit at the Berry Center each year.
Sept. 29, 2022—The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) recently named CFISD a 2022 District of Distinction award winner. Only 59 districts in the state earned the 2022 District of Distinction designation.
More than 1,200 districts were eligible to apply for the 2022 award. Each district was required to submit documentation demonstrating it met criteria from the rigorous 14-point rubric during the 2021-2022 school year. The rubric examines a district’s visual art program from participation in TAEA through membership, exhibitions and contests to community engagement in the visual arts through field experiences, community service and collaboration with other content areas.
Langham Creek High School senior Adriana Oberto won a Gold Key for her photograph “Altruistic Partner” in the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, hosted by the Harris County Department of Education.
The District of Distinction award was created by TAEA in 2019. The award honors school districts that are leading the way in visual arts. The 2022 distinction marks the second year CFISD has earned the prestigious honor, the first being in 2020.
“The District of Distinction rubric is set by number of students in the district and with CFISD being one of the largest school districts in Texas, submitting the evidence of participation took a districtwide effort,” said Lee Carrier, CFISD visual arts coordinator. “There were several departments involved to help CFISD receive this esteemed honor. I would like to express my gratitude to the district and campus leaders, art teachers and their students for making a collective effort to participate in a variety of art contests, community service events and exhibits, which allowed our program to meet the award’s criteria. Having a strong social media presence was essential for tracking participation and I would also like to thank the communications department for setting the foundation and means to publicly promote the art program. Each campus made a mission to offer quality art education and opportunities for students to succeed. As a result, CFISD is considered to have one of the best art programs in the state!”
Keith Elementary School fourth grade students Stella Hoffmann, left, and Reese Huff, right, pose for a picture with Julie Clements, Keith principal, and Julie Lamarche, Keith art teacher, after receiving their awards from the 2022 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Coloring Contest. The annual contest invites Houston area third grade students to show off their creativity by coloring the designated contest photo.
CFISD, along with other 2022 District of Distinction winners, will be honored at the TAEA Administration and Supervision Division meeting and general session during the TAEA Fall Conference on Nov. 10.
