Eight Irving ISD fourth graders received a special recognition at the October 13 Irving City Council meeting after being named a first-place winner or honorable mention for the city’s Annual Disabilities Poster Contest.
Earning first place were Grace Kouam Guiadem from Lee Elementary, Gabriela Mendez from Gilbert Elementary, Angeline Cuadra from Johnston Elementary and Umamah Sakarwala from Stipes Elementary.
Receiving honorable mention were Fernando Sanchez from Gilbert Elementary, Jonas Rojas Chauran from Thomas Haley Elementary, Jazmin Juarez from Elliott Elementary and Lindsay Linares from Townley Elementary.
“We first start by discussing disabilities and how they can be physical or mental,” says Ms. Elisa Edgar, art teacher at Stipes Elementary. “We then talk about how you can show that in a picture.”
“When Ms. Edgar first told me about the contest, I knew I wanted to create two pictures in one,” says Umamah, as she described her award-winning piece. “I wanted to focus on art, since this was an assignment for my art class, but I also wanted to show a race because I love running!”
“I watched many inspiring videos, and all the people and their stories inspired my drawing,” says Grace Kouam Guiadem.
“Grace tries very hard in every assignment. She puts 100% in everything,” says Ms. Jennifer Parks, art teacher at Lee Elementary. “I’m really proud of her because she’s able to see that hard work pays off.”
The Annual Disabilities Poster Contest is sponsored by the Irving Advisory Committee on Disabilities in recognition of Disabilities Awareness Month. The contest is open to all fourth graders in Irving ISD, private schools and home-schooled children within Irving. Students are encouraged to artistically express how a person with disabilities can use his or her strengths and abilities as part of the community.
Winners will have their art showcased inside Irving City Hall, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving and at Irving ISD facilities. They also received a certificate of recognition at the city council meeting and had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Irving, Rick Stopfer.
