MK-8 student recognized for artwork

Twelve Wyoming students from across the state were recognized for their artwork in Cheyenne on July 13 by Governor Mark Gordon. The celebration acknowledged their achievement in art and excellence in interpreting agriculture and natural resource concepts.

Among the student artists recognized was Stella Waliezer, who recently completed the fifth grade in Joy Sheehan’s class at Moorcroft K-8 school. Waliezer’s bookmark was sponsored by First Northern Bank of Wyoming.

Waliezer explained that the concept for her artwork came from Wyoming’s many facets: “I put in coal because we’re really into coal; I did some hay growing for the cows; Devils Tower is a monument in our state, which is very important; the train, because we have trains in this state; and I did a few more touches.”

She spoke of winning: “I kind of thought maybe I could win, I was competing against so many other people that the chances are really slim. When I won, I was really excited when I got to see the governor and it was really a great joy.”

“Out of the many, many bookmarks submitted, Stella’s was chosen as a finalist,” Stella’s fifth grade teacher Joy Sheehan smiles. “This is an awesome accomplishment and I am so very proud of her!”

Each year Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) encourages 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to submit a hand drawn bookmark for the program. This year WAIC received over 1900 entries, from students across Wyoming.

The students’ artwork is published and distributed around the state. If you would like copies of the bookmarks or information about the program, please contact WAIC at http://www.wyaitc.org or at 307-369-1749.