Published: June 30, 2009 07:42 pm         

Eighth-grade Woodrow Wilson student honored with two art awards

Each year during the eighth-grade farewell ceremony, the art staff at Woodrow Wilson Middle School honors students with two awards.

The Hill-Fiscus Purchase Award was created in honor of two of Woodrow Wilson’s finest art educators — Linda Hill and JoAnne Fiscus. The 2009 Hill-Fiscus Purchase Award winner was Emma Swagerle. As a student at Woodrow Wilson, Swagerle showed outstanding artistic achievement and was an inspiration to others. She also created a strong piece of artwork which was purchased by the school. Her artwork, an acrylic painting titled “A Fishy Idea,” will now be on permanent display in the school’s Media Center. Also, Swagerle’s name has been engraved on a plaque which hangs in the school.

The Gilbert Wilson Award was created in honor of Gilbert Wilson, the artist who created the murals which grace the front entrance to Woodrow Wilson. In remembrance of Gilbert’s belief that creativity should be nurtured and encouraged, two outstanding eighth-grade art students were honored, one as a grand- prize winner and one as a finalist. Some of the finest art students at Woodrow Wilson submitted portfolios and applications in order to be considered for this award. The 2009 grand-prize winner was Swagerle. Not only did Swagerle submit the most impressive portfolio, but she also demonstrated incredible talent and innovative ideas during her years at Wilson. She received a monetary award, a personal plaque and her name engraved on a school plaque.

The 2009 Gilbert Wilson Award finalist was Kim Pound. Pound’s creativity, talent and love of art earned her this award, which included a gift of new art supplies chosen especially for her.