Pasadena Memorial High School students Alex Clark and Candello Botello were national winners in the National Rifle Association Youth Wildlife Art Contest. The contest was open to students in grades K-12 throughout the nation, required students to create artwork with an “American Wildlife” theme.

Clark, a sophomore, received first place marking the first time in NRA history that a student from Texas has received a first place award. Clark’s artwork will be featured on the NRA website next year. Botello, a senior, received honorable mention. Both students were sponsored by their advanced arts teachers, Victor Raygoza and Adam Malek.

“It is wonderful that the students and their talented teachers are acknowledged on a national level. Pasadena ISD is fortunate to have art teachers that seek out opportunities for their students to receive recognition, scholarships, travel opportunities and cash awards,” Pasadena ISD Director of Visual Arts Shannon Raygoza said.