U.S. Army recognizes Discovery artists

MADISON – An U.S. Army office has recognized four students at Discovery Middle School for their submissions in the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Art Contest.

“We strive to promote diversity and inclusion within the community, and one way we achieve this goal is through Ethnic Observance Programs,” like this art contest during Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Master Sergeant Carolyn D. Burnett with the U.S. Army said.

Discovery student Veronika Feher was the first-place winner. Christine Pham took second place, followed by Danica Vu in third-place honors. Jimena Sanchez received an Honorable Mention.

Raquel Spiegel is art instructor at Discovery. Rosie’s International Services sponsors the contest.

“As a valued member of the Huntsville, Alabama community school system, your efforts to encourage our youth to explore individualism through arts are truly appreciated,” Burnett said. “The portraits we received have further proven that children are putting forth efforts to explore innovative opportunities to express their place within our society.”  

To show their appreciation and acknowledge the Discovery students’ endeavors, Burnett invited Feher, Pham, Vu and Sanchez to the Asian-Pacific Heritage Month Celebration in the Sparkman Center on Redstone Arsenal on May 17.

The U.S. Army Contracting Command headquarters invited soldiers, civilians and family members of the Discovery artists to attend as part of the audience. The ceremony offered various cultural displays, food tastings and musical performances. 

“Through competitions, we have observed competitiveness to be a beneficial method to encourage uniqueness and talents,” Burnett said. The contest coincides with Asian-Pacific Heritage Month in May.

Several agencies in Washington D.C. collaborate to recognize contributions from generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders: Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. (asianpacificheritage.gov)

In 1977, a congressional bill originated the observance. Then in 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution for the annual recognition. President George H.W. Bush expanded the weeklong celebration into Asian-Pacific Heritage Month.