Sophomore Amanda Koontz won at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event in Bryan, Texas this weekend. In addition, Koontz also won the Gold Seal Award, given to only 150 pieces out of 12,700 entries.
Art teacher and sponsor Linda Podzemny said this was a first for her UIL program.
“In the 10 years I have sent students, she is my first for a Gold Seal Award,” Podzemny said. “With 20 regions competing in the State of Texas, it is extremely difficult to get this award because all the artwork is awesome.”
Koontz’s piece will also go up on display for the public to see.
“The 150 Gold Seal art pieces hang in the State Capitol for a year for all to view,” Podzemny said. “It was hard for her to leave her artwork there.”
Koontz left her piece behind, but brings home a rare and prestigious art honor.
