Henkel wins best in show and principal's award

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Township High School art department had its 38th annual art show on May 11. Over 250 works in 13 different categories were on display.

“The night was a celebration for everyone in our art community” art teacher Andrea DeKing said. “The artworks on display document our students’ growth and personal connection. Hosting the Art Show is one of my top favorite parts of my job. It allows Mrs. Mock and I to share what we see every day in a formal setting for our amazing community.”

The judges for the show this year were Mr. John Dobbs, Ms. Lillian Andrew, Mrs. Laurie Pillen, Mr. Corey Ellis and Dr. Chris Lewis. The feedback from the judges was that they were impressed with all the works which made judging it a very difficult job. However, one work that did stand out was first place in pastel/charcoal, best of show, and principal’s award-winning piece, “Surprise” by Alivia Henkel. This piece is pastel and charcoal on a grocery bag. Its unique combination of media and expressive pose (of friend Anna Toczylowski) really set this work apart. 

“From the start I knew this work was going to be special,” art teacher Beth Mock said. “Her project plan really hits on all three concepts we explore in advanced art: engaging subject, strong composition and technical skill with media. Plus it just makes you smile.”  

Other first place winners of the night were: seniors Marisa Whaley in both painting and pencil and Dylan Benge in computer art, juniors Kennedy Underwood in mixed media, Anna Toczylowski in sculpture, Anahi Alanis in miscellaneous, Kasey Jones in ink/marker, Noe Valdez in traditional ceramics, Bradon Orozco in altered ceramics, sophomores Denia Rincon in color pencil and Julissa Torres in printmaking, and freshman Rowyn Shuning in photography.  

In addition to all the ribbons awarded, Golden K/Kiwanis was at the show to present their art scholarship. This is a $785 scholarship to Northern Illinois University’s visual art camp given annually to an outstanding artist entering 10-12th grades. In the past, this scholarship was given to one RTHS student, but this year the entries were so strong that Kiwanis decided to not only award one scholarship, but two. The scholarship went to Underwood and Jones. 

“This scholarship is a great opportunity for our students,” Mock said. “ It gives them the opportunity to experience what college art classes are like while living and attending classes on NIU’s campus for a week.  We are very grateful to Golden K for supporting our kids and the arts.”

“The end of the year art show is always an exciting event for our students and was extra special with Kiwanis present to give their scholarships,” DeKing said. “The show allows our art students to shine and show off all their hard work from the year.  We are very proud of all of our art students and what they have been able to accomplish.”