Creativity at the 3rd Annual Avoyelles Youth Arts Expo!

The Avoyelles Arts Council hosted its 3rd Annual Avoyelles Youth Arts Expo on Thursday, February 5, at Paragon Casino Resort, celebrating the creativity and talent of students in grades K through 12 from across the parish.

The evening showcased a wide range of student artwork and highlighted the importance of arts education in local schools, drawing families, teachers and community supporters together for a night dedicated to young artists.

In the Kindergarten through second grade division: - First Place: Jocelynn Marsh - Second Place: Nathan Henry - Third Place: Finily Builodeau

In grades three through five: - First Place: Kahlon Augustine - Second Place: Addilyn Bordelon - Third Place: Ryker Mills

In the grades six through eight division: - First Place: Frances McCann - Second Place: Matthew Belford - Third Place: Joley Dupuy

Among students in grades nine through ten: - First Place: Nadine Haddabeh - Second Place: Anne Wood - Third Place: Mia Juneau

In the grades eleven through twelve division: - First Place: Braylon Pierite - Second Place: Landon Destin - Third Place: Olivia Lemoine

Organizers emphasized that all participants are winners and expressed pride in every student who submitted work for the exhibit.

The Arts Council extended special thanks to Callie Borne and Alicia Hamilton for their time and expertise in organizing and installing this year’s exhibit, as well as to Paragon Casino Resort and its staff for providing a beautiful ballroom setting for the presentation.

The annual Youth Arts Expo continues to demonstrate that the arts inspire, educate and enhance the quality of life in Avoyelles Parish.

Frances McCann, left, received first place in the Grades 6–8 division at the 3rd Annual Avoyelles Youth Arts Expo. She is pictured with Van Roy during the awards presentation at Paragon Casino Resort.