District Students Earn Recognition at State VASE; 1 Student Earns Gold Seal

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Aldine ISD had 19 student artwork entries at the State VASE event. Of those entries, 16 earned a Rating 4, and one received a Gold Seal.

State VASE was held April 24-25 at San Marcos High School in San Marcos. The event, hosted by the Texas Art Education Association, recognizes exemplary high school student artwork at the state level and is considered the pinnacle of artistic achievement in the VASE program.

Blanson CTE High School student Sarahi Orellana earned a prestigious Gold Seal Award at the 2026 State Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE), highlighting Aldine ISD’s top recognition.

The Gold Seal is the highest honor awarded at State VASE. Across Texas, more than 32,000 artworks competed in regional high school VASE events. Of those entries, approximately 1,500 advanced to the state event, and only 164 earned Gold Seal recognition.

In Region 4 North, which includes Aldine, Humble, Klein, Spring, Spring Branch, and Tomball ISDs, only seven students received a Gold Seal Award.

“Earning a Gold Seal at State VASE is an extraordinary achievement and a reflection of Sarahi’s creativity, technical skill, and powerful artistic voice,” said Kaileigh Newman, Aldine ISD director of visual arts. “Through the visual arts, our students learn to communicate complex ideas, tell meaningful stories, and connect their personal experiences to the world around them. We are incredibly proud of Sarahi and all of our Aldine ISD artists who represented the district at the state level.”

According to the Texas Art Education Association, students whose artwork receives a Rating 4 — Exemplary at the State VASE are named All-State Artists by TAEA and VASE and receive a state medallion, signifying their achievement as top student artists in Texas. Rating IV artworks may also be considered for the Gold Seal Award, which highlights outstanding student works demonstrating exceptional concept, technique, craftsmanship, and creativity.

The State VASE event gives students the opportunity to showcase their artwork, participate in hands-on workshops, and connect with other student artists from across Texas. Gold Seal artwork is displayed in a special exhibition during the State VASE event and travels to selected venues across the state, culminating with the Gold Seal Exhibition at the annual TAEA Fall Conference.

Aldine ISD congratulates Orellana and all district artists who represented their campuses at the state level.