AWM artists cop state-wide honors

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The Academies of West Memphis art program has some of the finest talent in Arkansas as evidenced by a most recent state competition.

Senior Chris Blakely won first place in mixed media in the AR Congressional Art competition that was hosted by Congressman Rick Crawford. Also, sophomore Michael Latham was a finalist in painting in the same competition.

AWM art teacher Roxane Lee praised the two winning students.

"Chris and Michael are two of our standout art students," said Lee. "I've taught Chris three years. It's quite an honor to win first place in the state of Arkansas. His artwork is so realistic and it seems like he just stands out in most anything he does. He's an all-around great kid.

"Michael is a wonderful painter. Being a finalist and only a sophomore, says a lot for Michael. He has a natural ability to paint. He loves water color, but he's great with acrylic, too. I can see him just getting better and better."

Blakely's works were entitled Inward Inhabitants and Puzzled Curiosity. Latham's work was entitled Serenity.

Both students want to pursue artwork as a profession.

Blakey said he hasn't yet made up his mind where he will attend college, but it mostly likely will be in Memphis. He has interest in the University of Memphis or Memphis College of Art, majoring in either illustration or graphic design.

Blakely's interest in art dates back to six years of age.

His specialty is realism.

"I try to see my subject as real as possible," he said. "I try to use abstract components and other hidden components to try to show through the realism with a little bit of abstract."

Latham said he one day hopes to own a store and sell his own paintings.

"I love to paint," Latham said. "I really don't remember when my interest in painting started. It just seems like I've always been doing it. Practicing is something I also really enjoy. "

Both students say Lee and the art department at the Academies of West Memphis have been instrumental in developing their skills.

"(Lee) always challenges us and she has this way of communicating with each of us," said Blakely.

Rotary/Delta Arts honor West Memphis students

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The West Memphis Rotary Club recently had its first-annual Student 4-Way Test Awards event at the the DeltaARTS Glen P. Schoettle Arts Education Center.

One student from each West Memphis school was honored for emodying and reflecting the ethical elements of the Rotary 4-Way Test.

Students selected included:

--- James Perkins, sixth-grader at Richland Elementary. Perkins was selected because he possesses a heartfelt desire to give to others and has demonstrated maturity beyond his years.

--- Emma Fraley, ninth-grader at West Junior High. Fraley is committed to the enhancement of her school, participating in many school projects.

--- Abigail Pahls, sixth-grader at St. Michael's Catholic School. Pahls was selected because of her thoughtfulness, generosity and kind-hearted spirit.

--- Dylan Michelle Dodd, sixth-grader at Bragg Elementary. Dodd was selected because she shows empathy toward others and is especially attentive to new students who come to Bragg.

--- Bryce Waller, 11th-grader at West Memphis Christian School. Waller is great at problem solving and his motto is to stay calm in every situation.

--- Atesia Gordon, ninth-grader at East Junior High. As a student office worker at East, Alesia understands the importance of first impressions and greets everyone with a smile and positive attitude.

--- Laniya Brown, fourth-grader at Wonder Elementary. Brown received the STAR student award at her school and was the unanimous choice from the committee.

--- Raven Hinton, senior at the Academies of West Memphis. Hinton is an excellent student, but more than that she goes above and beyond in seeking ways to serve others.

--- Azariah Jones, fifth-grader at Maddux Elementary. Jones was selected because she has distinguished herself as bright, inquisitive and energetic along with being a phenomenal team player and group worker.

--- Nyan Ganus, sixth-grader at Faulk Elementary. Positive and enthusiastic, Ganus is an ambassador for his school in so many ways and welcomes guests to the school as well as building friendships with new students.

--- Da'Liya Anderson, sixth-grader at L.R. Jackson Elementary. Anderson has outstanding leadership characteristics, including integrity, authenticity and excellent communication skills.

--- Gavin Knowlton, pre-schooler at Steudlein Learning Academy. Knowlton walks through the doors each day with a smile on his face and a story to share.

--- Steve Spencer, ninth-grader at Wonder Junior High. Spencer shows outstanding character and is well-mannered and polite.

--- Jamar Hollins, third-grader at Weaver Elementary. Hollins is called the "turnaround kid" as he began the year with a less than happy attitude, but the staff at Weaver say his outlook is like night and day from the beginning of school to the present.