Lake Dallas Students Celebrate Art Success at State Competitions

The Lake Dallas Independent School District (ISD) Board Meeting held on May 19, 2025, showcased significant achievements in the arts from students across the district. The meeting began with a recognition of the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) Youth Art Month exhibition, presented by Jeanette Murray, the high school art teacher. She highlighted the accomplishments of freshman Sofia, whose artwork titled "As I See Myself" was accepted into the prestigious exhibition at the Bullock State Museum. This event, which celebrates student art from pre-K through 12th grade, featured over 100 pieces selected from across Texas. Sofia's participation was celebrated, and her work was featured in a two-page article by Marine Media, further acknowledging her artistic talent.

Following this, the board recognized the achievements of Lake Dallas High School students who participated in the state visual arts scholastic event, a UIL equivalent art competition held on April 26 in San Marcos. Out of 32,000 entries statewide, only 2,359 advanced to the state level. Notably, students Elena and Joanna received superior ratings for their artwork, earning state medals. This accomplishment marks 24 consecutive years of Lake Dallas ISD students winning state awards in this competition, a testament to the district's commitment to fostering artistic talent.

The meeting continued with a presentation from Jessica Reisenhuver, the middle school art teacher, who introduced the Junior BASE competition. This event allows middle school students to showcase their creativity and receive feedback from art community members. This year, 49 students submitted 60 entries, the highest number from the middle school to date. Remarkably, 55 of these entries received the highest rating of 4, earning medals for their creators. Additionally, eight students achieved platinum honors, placing them in the top 10% of the competition.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's dedication to promoting the arts and recognizing student achievements, reinforcing the importance of creativity in education. The board expressed pride in the students' accomplishments and the continued success of the art programs within Lake Dallas ISD.