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Home»SCHOOL NEWS»Ruckel, Shoal River students win in statewide art contest
SCHOOL NEWS

Ruckel, Shoal River students win in statewide art contest

Niceville.comDecember 15, 20242 Mins Read
Close-up view of Best of Show artwork by Drake Harris featuring a detailed painting of a cat and Best of Show ribbon.
Drake Harris, Ruckel Middle School, earned Best of Show for this intricate painting of a cat in the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition. 9Contributed)

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Four Okaloosa County middle school students have been honored for their artistic talents in the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition, a statewide initiative showcasing creative works by students in grades 6–8.

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Drake Harris of Ruckel Middle School received the Best of Show award, leading a strong performance by local students. Other winners include McKenzie Winger, first place, and Sophia Perez, second place, both from Shoal River Middle School, along with Isabella Welling of Ruckel Middle School, who earned third place.

First-place artwork by McKenzie Winger from Shoal River Middle School featuring a samurai and dragon.
McKenzie Winger of Shoal River Middle School earned first place in the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition for this dynamic artwork. (Contributed)
Second place artwork by Sophia Perez from Shoal River Middle School featuring a winged figure.
Sophia Perez of Shoal River Middle School took second place with her detailed drawing of a winged figure. (Contributed)
Third place artwork by Isabella Welling from Ruckel Middle School featuring a colorful horse in a forest.
Isabella Welling of Ruckel Middle School earned third place with her vibrant depiction of a horse in a mystical forest. (Contributed)
Best of Show artwork by Drake Harris featuring a detailed painting of a cat.
Drake Harris, Ruckel Middle School, earned Best of Show for this intricate painting of a cat in the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition. (Contributed)

The competition welcomed 14 submissions from Okaloosa County students, evaluated by a panel of elementary and high school art teachers.

Drake’s winning artwork will be displayed in the Florida Capitol, representing Okaloosa County during the 2025 legislative session.

Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers shared his pride in the students’ accomplishments.

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“We are so proud of the creativity and talent demonstrated by these young artists,” said Superintendent Chambers.

“Their artwork reflects their dedication and passion and serves as a testament to the strength of the arts in Okaloosa County Schools. Congratulations to our winners for this well-deserved recognition!”

The Art in the Capitol Competition highlights the importance of arts education and its role in fostering creativity and innovation among students.

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