Santa Fe Standard

The Santa Fe Public Schools Fine Arts Department has announced the winners of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month art contest. This year, the contest received 116 entries, marking a significant increase of 270 percent from the previous year.

Cristina González, Fine Arts Coordinator, commented on the challenge of selecting winners due to the high level of creativity. "Ultimately, our panel focused on the overall quality of the artwork, with student artist statements being crucial in conveying their artistic intentions," she said.

Special recognition was given to Nava Elementary for their use of Tinkercad and 3D printers to create Dia de Los Muertos themed art. "This is the first year we’ve received 3D printed submissions, showcasing Nava’s innovative spirit," González noted. The submissions included calaveras (skulls) and cempasúchiles (marigolds).

In the Kindergarten through second-grade category, Yael Oropeza from Ramirez Thomas Elementary took first place. Jesús Valencia from Nava Elementary received an honorable mention.

For grades three through five, Earl Arthur Rafael Lacika from Chaparral Elementary won first place, while Carlos Guizar Rojo from Sweeney Elementary earned an honorable mention.

In grades six through eight, Noah Mattia from Ortiz Middle School secured first place. Honorable mentions went to Lian Diaz and Baltazar Martinez from Milagro Middle School.

Sonya Mendez from Mandela International Magnet School claimed first place in the ninth through twelfth-grade category. Mendez shared that her artwork reflects Dia de Los Muertos' significance in Mexican culture: "Death shouldn’t be viewed as something frightening," she explained. "It symbolizes that death is inevitable, something we live alongside, and reminds us to embrace life fully."

Winners:

- K-2: Yael Oropeza, Ramirez Thomas Elementary; Jesús Valencia, Nava Elementary (Honorable Mention)

- 3-5: Earl Arthur Rafael Lacika, Chaparral Elementary; Carlos Guizar Rojo, Sweeney Elementary (Honorable Mention)

- 6-8: Noah Mattia, Ortiz Middle School; Lian Diaz and Baltazar Martinez, Milagro MS (Honorable Mention)

- 9-12: Sonya Mendez, Mandela International Magnet School