As the only certified and specialized art teacher at the elementary school level in Pasadena ISD, South Houston Elementary School first-year teacher Almarosa Umanzor is already creating success among her students as four of them recently took the top prizes in the Pasadena and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art contests.

“I was so pleased and happy that my students won these awards,” said Umanzor. “I couldn’t’ stop smiling when I saw them win. With this being my first year as a teacher, I didn’t really know what to expect. But it gave me great relief when I saw students working hard on their projects because it all paid off.”

South Houston Elementary third grader Angel Ruiz took first place in the 3^rd-5^th grade category in the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo art contest. In the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art contest, first grader Edith Silva received “Best of Show” and first and fourth graders Cesar Velasquez and Hector Davila both finished in the contest as finalists, respectively.

Davila’s artwork illustrated two expressionist red bulls based on artist Franc Mark. Davila said it feels great to have been a finalist in the Houston competition.

“I felt so excited because I was considered as one of the best,” he said. “It was very emotional to find out my artwork was selected. Next year, I hope to do something different and even better.”

South Houston Elementary’s principal Dr. Karen Holt said she is proud of her students and that competitions serve as avenues for them to showcase their numerous talents.

“Our goal is to teach and expect students to always do their best and to create high quality products, regardless of competition,” Holt said. “The competitions are ways for students to show off their work when they autograph their work with excellence. In addition, the student receives affirmation about their talents from a greater and more diverse audience as well as experiences encouraged risk-taking, self-confidence and pride.”

Umanzor said it’s important for elementary-aged students to be involved in visual arts because art education contributes to the overall education of students as well as serves as a way for students to fulfill a sense of achievement from a very young age.

“Art is capable of providing an atmosphere where children are able to feel they can take chances without fear of disapproval or disappointment if the results end in failure,” she said. “It promotes open-ended activities and critical evaluations that help develop an atmosphere of mutual respect and freedom of expression. Visual arts helps children learn about their own history and culture, as well as those of others, giving students their own view of the rich and interesting world around them.”

Holt said the art curriculum is beneficial to students at the elementary level because it serves as an outlet for students to express themselves and relieve stress from the intense academic programs they are involved in.

“Art is a component of multiple intelligences that addresses all learning styles, but it is not usually developed at the elementary level due to a lack of time and specialized training,” she said. “Some of our students do not have special talents or interests in music or PE, but they may really excel in art activities. TAKS skills can also be reinforced through art, and it is a great way for students to learn different ways to express their emotions.”

While drawing, sketching and painting is fun for these students, the competitions weren’t an easy task, taking a great deal of motivation and hard work from the students. Umanzor said the three main things she believes it takes to be a good artist are heart, respect and dedication.

“A student doesn’t have to be good in drawing or painting to be a good artist because if they don’t have the willingness to do art or have the respect for art they won’t be considered good artists,” she said. “Competing in the contests was a great jump for these students because I had to start of teaching them very basic skills since most of them have never had an art class before. I’m just happy to have students who are willing to learn, hard working and most importantly appreciate art.”

Umanzor teaches art to 653 students in kindergarten through fourth grades. Holt said Umanzor has served as a great asset to South Houston Elementary and to the education of the students as she stays after school to tutor students in reading as well as help them on projects.

“For the first time, we have a teacher who is specialized and certified in children’s art and is able to present complicated skills at the appropriate developmental level of our students,” Holt said. “The students learn to model the artistic styles of well known artists, which assist the students in developing their own artistic style. Our students love going to art and it’s because of the fun and creative learning styles Alma brings to the classroom.”