Emotions, messages, and ideas are sometimes expressed through art. From McNeil, 23 pieces of art received awards at the Round Rock ISD Secondary Art Show May 10-17.  Westwood received 10 honors.

Within the competitive place of artwork in Division 4, 5 and 6, six art pieces placed first featuring two colored drawings, two sculptures, one painting and one ceramic piece. One artist placed twice in the show.

“It’s really surprising that I placed twice,” senior Monica Bugh said. “It’s surprising that my artwork got that far.”

Bugh placed first with her ceramic tea cup and third with her painting in Division 6. Her tea cup was influenced by both of the sculpture and ceramic classes she has taken. As well, she believed her work ethic had improved.

“You don’t necessarily have to be skilled,” Bugh said. “You just have to work hard to make good pieces.”

Working hard also allowed senior Rebecca Rodriguez, sophomore Sheridan Green, and freshmen Mina Ozawa, Laura Chan, and Madeline Picket to place first.

“Considering how the piece took so long,” Green said, “I’m glad it got something.”

Green dedicated a large amount of time to her art piece, wanting to express her love for both violins and pianos.

“It gave me more dedication and more direction to my art,” Green said.

For the artists who didn’t place first but placed second – freshman Kaylie Pasquino and juniors Kali Cunningham, Tyas Hernandez, and Yi Shiu-Wang – and third – sophomore Kaitlyn Freeman and seniors Hannah Lehman, Bugh, Nathan Kim, Kais Khandari, and Elizabeth Hoeft – had a boost of confidence in their artwork.

“I didn’t expect it,” Hernandez said. “[My ceramic and sculpture piece] was an older piece and I was not as confident so it makes me want to try harder and compete more.”