This week, we celebrated the creativity and artistic ability of our students and the amazing art teachers who nurture those skills.
District 38 hosted the districtwide art awards on Tuesday, April 15, at the district administration building and recognized students in each grade level. Three winners were chosen from each grade and were awarded with the community’s recognition, and also a cash prize and ribbon.
Artwork from our winning students featured everything from drawings to paintings and even sculpture work. The students’ imaginations and creativity were on full display as their masterpieces were featured on the big screen as they accepted their awards. The awards show also followed two weeks of students’ artwork being displayed for the community to enjoy at local venue, Lolley’s Tasting Room
The Art Awards Show is a collaborative effort by many people in the district, but this year’s show benefited greatly from the hard work of Amanda Staman, Art Teacher at Palmer Lake Elementary. She was the lead organizer of the awards show, and it was clear to those in attendance what both the arts and her students mean to her. The looks on students’ faces and the many hugs that were given made it quite evident how she inspires students with her passion for art education and dedication to them.
“It’s really important that we celebrate the arts and keep this tradition going for all of us,” Staman told attendees.
Also in attendance were district leaders like Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine, who helped facilitate the awards ceremony and celebrate the students, art teachers, and families.
“We appreciate how you encourage and nurture your young artists who shine in our classrooms. Congratulations to all of our student artists,” Whetstine said.
We would also like to thank our incredible sponsors who helped make this event possible — Integrity Bank & Trust, Lewis Palmer School District 38 Education Foundation, Air Academy Credit Union, Lolley’s Ice Cream, Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, and the Palmer Lake Arts Council.
Congratulations to our 2025 Districtwide Art Show Winners!
Kindergarten
First Place: Kathryn Kahl, Palmer Lake Elementary
Second Place: Hannah Low, Bear Creek Elementary
Third Place: Michael Iatrow, Prairie Winds Elementary
First Grade
First Place: Trista O’Halloran, Lewis-Palmer Elementary
Second Place: Kelan Soulia, Prairie Winds Elementary
Third Place: Hannah Gheen, Monument Academy West
Second Grade
First Place: Henry Calvert, Prairie Winds Elementary
Second Place: Jose Freyta DeLaCruz, Palmer Lake Elementary
Third Place: Mikaela Enomoto, Monument Academy West
Third Grade
First Place: Aria Bannon, Bear Creek Elementary
Second Place: Luke Heiberger, Prairie Winds Elementary
Third Place: Natalie Placzek, Palmer Lake Elementary
Fourth Grade
First Place: Micah Thompson, Bear Creek Elementary
Second Place: Jolene Martinez, Palmer Lake Elementary
Third Place: Sadie Thompson, Lewis-Palmer Elementary
Fifth Grade
First Place: Angelique Fong-Cuestas, Lewis-Palmer Elementary
Second Place: Hannah Hettler, Prairie Winds Elementary
Third Place: Emme Gillings, Kilmer Elementary
Sixth Grade
First Place: Katie Westerhaus
Second Place: Arielle Murray, Palmer Lake Elementary
Thirds Place: Rebekah Sletten, Monument Academy
ELEMENTARY BEST OF SHOW: Hans Luebbert, kindergarten, Prairie Winds Elementary
Seventh Grade
First Place: Abby Plass, Lewis-Palmer Middle School
Second Place: Abigail Cirbo, Lewis-Palmer Middle School
Third Place: Matt Schneider, Home School Enrichment Academy
Eighth Grade
First Place: Arete Morr, Lewis-Palmer Middle School
Second Place: Cora DeFilippo, Home School Enrichment Academy
Third Place: Karlea Charley, Lewis-Palmer Middle School
Ninth Grade
First Place: Mallory Rowe, Lewis-Palmer High School
Second Place: Greysen Stevens, Lewis-Palmer High School
Third Place: Tiegen Rohrer, Palmer Ridge High School
Tenth Grade
First Place: Caroline Carl, Lewis-Palmer High School
Second Place: Reese Mosunic, Lewis-Palmer High School
Third Place: Ava Schulte, Palmer Ridge High School
Eleventh Grade
First Place: Claire Shin, Palmer Ridge High School
Second Place: Diana Sapp, Palmer Ridge High School
Third Place: Joe Powell, Lewis-Palmer High School
Twelfth Grade
First Place: Aleesa Williams, Palmer Ridge High School
Second Place: Trinity Beyer, Lewis-Palmer High School
Third Place: Kullen McKenzie, Palmer Ridge High School
BEST OF SHOW 3D (Secondary Level): Danae Archuleta, Eighth Grader, Lewis-Palmer Middle School
BEST OF SHOW 2D (Secondary Level): Everleigh Larsen, Eleventh Grade, Palmer Ridge High School