Discovery aces top places in Hispanic art

MADISON – Students at Discovery Middle School were awarded the four top awards and one other honor in the Hispanic Heritage Art Contest on Redstone Arsenal.

Aaliyah Coe earned first-place honors with her drawing of the late Tequano singer Selena. Winning other top awards, Yudam Jeong captured second place and Jacqui Dub took third-place recognition. Lauren Martin received an honorable mention.

Raquel Spiegel teaches art classes at Discovery. Rosie’s International Services Inc. sponsors the art contest.

“Your efforts to encourage our youth to explore individualism through arts are truly appreciated,” U.S. Army Master Sergeant Edward L. Gaston said in correspondence to Discovery administrators and Spiegel. Gaston works with the U.S. Army Materiel Command on Redstone Arsenal.

“The portraits we received have further proven that children are putting forth efforts to explore innovative opportunities to express their place within our society,” Gaston said. “Through competitions, we have observed competitiveness to be a beneficial method to encourage uniqueness and talent.”

To show appreciation and acknowledge the Discovery students’ work, Gaston invited Coe, Jeong, Dub, Martin and Spiegel to an honors ceremony on Sept. 29 in Bob Jones Auditorium of Sparkman Center on the arsenal.

The audience included numerous soldiers, civilians and artists’ relatives. In addition, school principals and art instructors were invited to the event.

The Discovery artists and others enjoyed a variety of cultural displays, food tasting and musical performances.

“We looked forward to recognizing (your students) for their outstanding talents,” Gaston said. “We strive to promote diversity and inclusion within the community. One way we achieve this goal is through Ethnic Observance Programs … this month, the Hispanic Heritage Art Contest.”