Discovery Middle School art students Tiffany Wu, from left, Joy Onawola, Ambra Cave and Isabella Guerra were winners in an art contest sponsored by Rosie’s International. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Artists at Discovery Middle School are continuing a tradition of honor that they have established throughout the school year.

Victoria Lee and Meredith Martin from Discovery are 2015 Blue Ribbon finalists in the Visual Arts Achievement contest. Huntsville Museum of Art sponsors the contest each year.

“These young artists were finalists representing District V counties. Finalists were honored with a reception and award presentation to celebrate Youth Art Month (YAM) at the Huntsville museum on March 15,” Discovery art teacher Raquel Spiegel said.

Laura E. Smith, director of education with the Museum Academy, coordinated the local contest.

For the Visual Arts Achievement contest, Lee painted “Praying Mantis on a Blossom” and Martin created a design titled “Broken Fruit.” The museum submitted artwork by Lee and Martin to the Alabama State Council on the Arts in Montgomery for judging in a statewide exhibition.

In other recognition, Discovery art student Isabella Guerra earned first place in the African-American Black History Month Art Contest, sponsored by Rosie’s International. Other Discovery winners were Ambra Cave, second place; Joy Onawola, third; and Tiffany Wu, honorable mention.

In addition, Discovery artists earned a certificate of appreciation from the Tuskegee Airmen, the famed group of African-American pilots who defended the United States during World War II. Col. R.J. Lewis, president of the Tuskegee Airmen, signed the certificate, along with Rosie Douglas with Rosie’s International Services Inc., the festival sponsor.

Discovery was recognized for high attendance at the 13th Annual Black History Enrichment and Enlightenment Festival 2015 at Trinity Methodist Church in Huntsville. Lee High School in Huntsville and Cathy Newby’s art students at Mill Creek Elementary School also were recognized.

Lewis was the festival’s featured speaker. “The history Col. Lewis touched on is unforgettable,” Spiegel said. “I was very glad to see so many young people in the audience respectfully listening.”