Aldine ISD Students Recognized as District Winners in RodeoHouston School Art Contest

Four student artworks advance to the Rodeo’s Art Auction in March.

In late January, Aldine ISD students were honored at a district awards reception for their achievements in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Contest. Some of their artworks will move on to the auction at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, also known as RODEOHOUSTON®.

The Aldine ISD Visual Arts Department hosted the ceremony, bringing together students, families, teachers, and community members to celebrate student achievements in visual arts. District winners were chosen after the Rodeo’s School Art Committee visited and judged entries from schools across Houston.

“This is an incredible moment for our students and our program,” said Kaileigh Newman, Aldine ISD director of visual arts. “Having multiple students advance to the School Art Auction, with every high school grade level represented, is something we are extremely proud of.”

Every student who enters the contest receives a red, white, or blue ribbon. Judges then select Best of Show, Gold Medal, and Special Merit awards from the blue-ribbon group at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. District winners and students moving on to the rodeo competition were formally recognized on January 24.

This year, more Aldine ISD high school students advanced to the School Art Auction than ever before during Newman’s time as visual arts director. In past years, Aldine ISD artists have also received top honors, such as the Elementary Class Champion award in 2024.

District Award Recipients

Best of Show

• Anderson Academy, Grade 4: Jamar Lockhart, Boots on the Ground
  Teacher: Tony McMillian
• Jones Middle School, Grade 8: Patience Rodríguez, Bucking Beauty
  Teacher: Cory Reeves
• Eisenhower High School, Grade 10: Meylin Solorzano, Whispers of the Lost Sunset*
  Teacher: Lacey LeBlanc

Gold Medal

• Harris Elementary, Grade 5: Delilah Arciniega, Blankets of Heritage
  Teacher: Tammy Bui
• Hoffman Middle School, Grade 8: Elisheba Cortés, Desert Style Full of Color
  Teacher: Margie Ellis
• Nimitz High School, Grade 12: Keily Iraheta, Where Are We Going?*
  Teacher: Jorge Vazquez
• Nimitz High School, Grade 11: Lizeth Vazquez, A Bronze Day
  Teacher: Jorge Vazquez

Special Merit

• Blanson CTE High School, Grade 9: Ángela Hernández, Hold On Tight!*
  Teacher: William Brink
• Blanson CTE High School, Grade 10: Victoria Chapala, Bull Ride
  Teacher: William Brink
• Carver High School, Grade 10: Ariel Flores, Chicharrón
  Teacher: Christina Moreno
• MacArthur High School, Grade 12: Marely Santana, Three Musketeers
  Teacher: Abigail Smith
• Nimitz High School, Grade 11: Ta’Mya Holmes, Peace in the Pasture*
  Teacher: Jorge Vazquez
• Nimitz High School, Grade 12: Brittany Rodríguez-García, Bubblegum Piglet
  Teacher: Jorge Vazquez

Advancing to the School Art Auction*

Four Aldine ISD high school artists will advance to the 2026 School Art Auction, which is the highest number of students to advance during Newman’s time leading the department. These students are:

• Ángela Hernández
• Ta’Mya Holmes
• Keily Iraheta
• Meylin Solorzano

Money raised from the School Art Auction helps fund scholarships and educational programs, making this honor both an artistic and academic milestone for the students involved.

“Aldine ISD students keep showing that creativity, discipline, and strong teaching lead to great opportunities,” Newman said. “We are excited to see their work on such a prestigious stage.”

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