***NEWS RELEASE***
Stevensville, MD – Five talented Kent Island High School art students made an unforgettable impression at this year’s “Rethink Recycling” Sculpture Contest hosted by the Maryland Department of the Environment in Baltimore. Competing against schools from across the state, the KIHS artists showcased creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation—so much so that judges and attendees repeatedly asked if our students “were from an art school”. Their work and professionalism spoke for itself.
KIHS students earned 3 of the 7 top awards, collecting more than $650 in prizes:
- Darwyn Inselman – 1st Place, People’s Choice
- Alana VanOrnum – 1st Place, Best Use of Materials
- Cassandra Krug – 2nd Place, Best Use of Materials
- Claire Ransom – Selected State Participant
- Paige Simons – Selected State Participant
In addition, each student and their teacher received an Amazon gift card in recognition of their hard work and participation.
Their 3-D art teacher, Laquel Nenno, expressed the pride felt across the school:
“I am so proud of all of my students. They spent weeks working on these sculptures and all of their hard work paid off. One of my favorite things about teaching art is seeing the creative ways students interpret my assignments.”
Supervisor of Instruction for Visual & Performing Arts, Michael Bell added:
“This is exactly what happens when great teaching meets fearless creativity. Laquel has expanded the 3-D program at KIHS through her own professional practices, and students genuinely see themselves as real artists. The results speak volumes—and we should be compared to art schools. The quality of the work coming out of KIHS is earning state and national recognition. I’m incredibly proud of these students for representing KIHS—and QACPS—with such excellence.”
Principal Dan Harding shared his congratulations as well:
“Our students continue to impress us with their dedication and talent. Bringing home multiple statewide awards is a tremendous accomplishment, and we could not be prouder of the work coming out of our art rooms. This recognition reflects both their commitment and the strength of our arts program at KIHS.”
Please congratulate these outstanding student artists when you see them. Their achievement is not only a celebration of individual talent, it’s a reflection of the creative spirit thriving across Queen Anne’s County Public Schools.
Download a PDF copy of the news release here.