Twenty-Three High School Art Students Advance to State

High school art students hit it out of the park at the regional Visual Scholastic Arts Event competition, VASE.

Twenty-three Wylie ISD high school students’ artwork will advance to the state level in San Marcos in April.

Wylie East had 99 students enter their masterpieces into VASE and brought home 168 total medals. In fact, the school doubled the amount of medals as the next-highest medal-earning school in Region 10E.

“I am very pleased with my students’ accomplishments, but I am especially proud of the hard work they have invested into their art throughout the year,” WEHS Art teacher Angela Gilpin said.

WEHS also had 16 artists (with 20 total works) advance to the state competition.

“We had our highest-ever number of VASE participants and medals this year, and we couldn't be prouder of our talented Raider artists!” WEHS Art teacher Jennifer Thompson said. “One-third of the schools in our region had no state finalists at all, and 15 schools had three or fewer pieces advance to state. The fact that we have 20 state finalists is amazing!”

She added, “Our students spend months creating artwork for this competition, so it's incredibly exciting to see all of that time and effort pay off.”

Wylie High had 59 students compete at VASE, earning 81 medals.

“Everyone who competed poured their hearts and souls into their work,” WHS Art teacher Tova Lile said. “Much of their time was invested into their art, along with blood, sweat, and tears.”

WHS also had seven artists advance to state VASE with eight total works.

“Whether or not they received a regional or area medal or advanced to state, I am extremely proud of the grit and determination of each student who participated,” Lile said.

Congratulations to all of the high school artists and their teachers!

Wylie East High School Art Teachers:

• Angela Gilpin
• Tina Higa
• Jennifer Thompson
• Atlanta Tigert

Wylie High School Art Teachers:

• Margaret Boyd
• Tova Lile
• Nettie Powell
• Susan West

Both the state-qualifying artwork for Wylie East High School and the state-qualifying artwork for Wylie High School are available online.

Good luck at state!