The Socorro Independent School District celebrated the 2024-2025 elementary, middle and high school art show winners at the District Art Show Open House on May 11. The event highlighted the creativity of SISD's talented student artists in the district’s award-winning fine arts programs.
SISD recently received the 2025 District of Distinction Award from the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) for the fifth consecutive year. This award recognized the district's ongoing commitment to providing a well-rounded education that includes a strong visual arts curriculum.
At the art show open house, the SISD Fine Arts Department honored the first-, second-, and third-place winners in each division: elementary, middle school, and high school.
The top 100 and Superintendent’s Choice Awards winners will be displayed at the District Service Center during the 2025-2026 school year.
Among the winners recognized for their artwork was Ily Colello, a third grader at Mission Ridge Elementary School.
Colello said drawing boosted her confidence and allowed her to express her creativity.
“I'm really happy and excited that I got to do it and participate,” Colello said. “I felt confident and scared at the beginning, but now I'm brave.”
Candace Printz, SISD assistant director of Fine Arts, said that about 500 entries were recognized out of 2,300 submissions received. She emphasized that art not only allows students to express themselves creatively but can also guide them toward their future careers.
“Art is important not just because of the creative outlet, and the kids at all ages, but especially elementary are, you know, absorbing all this,” Printz said. “But it also leads to future careers. There's a plethora of jobs in that field, and so, we're training these kids for high-quality, high-level jobs.”