SAN ARDO — San Ardo student Zuliana Carbajal has been selected as the winner of the annual California Small School Districts’ Association’s holiday art contest for 2020.
“I started drawing because it was a good stress reliever,” said Carbajal, an eighth-grader at San Ardo School. “I have liked to draw ever since I was little in kindergarten. I started with drawing cards for my parents and realized how much I loved it. I was surprised and happy that my art was chosen. I hope to one day be able to show my art more.”
Carbajal’s artwork was chosen from more than 75 submissions throughout California, and her work was featured on the annual Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) holiday card sent to over 500 districts in California.
“We are thrilled to host this art contest and the work of Zuliana was just an outstanding, eye-catching drawing. You can tell she is extremely talented and passionate in her work,” said Tim Taylor, SSDA executive director. “She captured the holiday spirit of children making a snowman. The simple innocence in her work yet the attention to detail stood above the 16 finalists.”
SSDA, a nonprofit organization that advocates for small rural schools throughout California, represents more than 60% of districts in the state, with the primary goal of highlighting students in the arts. This particular competition pulls together such a diverse group of students in some of the state’s smallest towns.
“I am extremely proud of Zuliana for representing the many talents of students in small school districts on a statewide level,” said San Ardo Superintendent/Principal Catherine Reimer. “I have watched her grow not only as a talented artist, but also as an exceptionally smart young lady over the past seven years. I am confident she will be tremendously successful in her future endeavors and am excited to discover what that may entail.”
During the pandemic, the arts is one avenue to keep students’ spirits and mental health balanced.
“Arts education is an integral part of the development of each human being and vital to our society,” said Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools. “The arts also provide students with higher self-esteem, motivation, improved emotional expression, as well as social harmony and appreciation of diversity. We are so proud of San Ardo ESD and SSDA for their commitment to the arts.”
