Nimitz High School Student Completes Prestigious Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Western Art Academy

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Rising senior Ta’Mya Holmes earns college credit and celebrates another milestone in Aldine ISD’s award-winning visual arts program.

Aldine ISD student Ta’Mya Holmes is continuing to make her mark in the art world with a significant new achievement.

Holmes, a rising senior at Nimitz High School, recently graduated from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s (HLSR) prestigious Western Art Academy (WAA), an intensive scholarship program that gives talented young artists advanced instruction from professional artists.

Selected from more than 250 applicants, Holmes was among a select group of students chosen for the academy’s Class of 2026. Over the four-week immersive program at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, she completed college-level oil painting and sculpture courses while earning three hours of college credit.

Holmes celebrated her graduation during the academy’s July 11 ceremony, which also featured a student art exhibition and artwork sale highlighting the students’ accomplishments.

Her academy selection followed another notable achievement. Holmes was previously chosen for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Sale of Champions Art Auction, making her eligible to apply. Her artwork, Peace in the Pasture, sold for $20,000 during the auction.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for Ta’Mya and a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard work,” said Kaileigh Newman, Aldine ISD Director of Visual Arts. “We are extremely proud of her and all she has achieved.”

Holmes studies under Nimitz High School art educator Jorge Vázquez, whose award-winning visual arts program has helped students earn recognition at the local, state, and national levels.

Her accomplishment also marks an important milestone for the Aldine ISD Visual Arts Department. Holmes is the third consecutive Aldine ISD student selected for the prestigious Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Western Art Academy, reflecting the district’s continued excellence in visual arts education.

Congratulations to Ta’Mya Holmes on this outstanding achievement and for representing Nimitz High School and Aldine ISD with excellence.