I’d just like to say thank you to every contributor at this years Culture Shapers event. I had a great time and enjoyed every minute. Just being on the main stage next to such talented artists was a huge honor.

So once again thank you so much to everyone who makes this contest possible and all the hard work and money that goes towards the appreciation of young artists.

Conner O’Leary
2nd place, Painting
Senior, The Woodlands HS
Conroe ISD

Mrs. Lyn Fitzpatrick,
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Culture Shapers Awards ceremony last week.

This is my 4th year teaching at Kerr High School in Alief and this was my second time to attend the awards ceremony. My student used one of her tickets to have me sit next to her and her mother, instead of in a different area, because she was apprehensive about the whole thing. Her category was first and she was so excited about placing 5th in the Sculpture category.

I was so moved by your speech about the Heart in Art recipient. I was trying my hardest not to cry! As I sat there in the dark, trying to remain composed, I could see out of the corner of my eye, my tough-as-nails little student, Briseida. I saw that she was crying! Your words touched us and inspired us. I am a dedicated teacher and definitely didn’t get into teaching expecting any accolades or anything like that. Nonetheless, I am so excited and thankful for this art contest as a way to honor our hard-working art students, art teachers and administrators.

Thank you for all your hard work, and for calling me a hundred times to get Briseida the attention she deserves! I hope to see you again next year!

Thanks again,
Janine Hughes
Kerr High School
Alief ISD

I had the pleasure of attending the Culture Shapers event on Thursday night in the Fine Arts Center at Westfield HS in Spring. It was one of the best high school awards programs I have seen. The event honors the top ten students in various art categories. Our own Glenda Bonilla was a star, earning a 3rd place in sculpture and 6th place in film totaling $1,750 in scholarship prize money. This is really an amazing feat when you consider that there are thousands of entries.

Ken Estrella
KIPP Houston High School