Morgan Hill Together Art Contest Winners Announced

Congratulations to All of the Awardees

The time has come! We are excited to announce the results of the fabulous 'Morgan Hill Together' Window-Art contest. ​This competition was created with a dual purpose; as a vehicle for self-expression for our youth as they reflected on our interconnectedness, even while apart during COVID-19, and to raise awareness of the newly formed Disaster Relief Fund umbrellaed under the Morgan Hill Community Foundation (MHCF). With donations being accepted to the fund, this allowed our our youth to participate in a philanthropic cause benefitting their community.
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The wonderfully creative and expressive artwork we received has shown that ‘Morgan Hill Together’ Window-Art Competition helped to connect the community during these extraordinary times. 
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Contest Entry Categories and Judging Criteria

There were 5 categories: PreK - 2nd grade (Primary), 3rd - 5th grade (Intermediate), 6th - 8th grade (Middle School), 9th - 12th grade (High School), and Special. It goes without saying that no family member judged the category in which their kids or grandkids participated. All entries were received electronically by the June 30 deadline, and judged blindly (judges only saw the artwork, but no names or any form of identification.) Judging criteria was based on artistic merit and emotional impact  - the ability to touch our hearts and spirit. In fact, interpretation of the theme was given the most weight over technique.

The top two awardees in each category, plus ONE GRAND PRIZE for the best overall entry, will be recognized by our local Morgan Hill leaders and news media. The prize will be gift cards of their choice to local businesses, soon to be emailed to them, with Certificates of Excellence! Congratulations to all of of the artists!
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Contest Results: Top Winners in Each Category

Pre-K Through 2nd Grade (Primary)

First Place (Primary): Isabella Gil (Grade K) Title: We Stand Together!

Second Place (Primary): Ava Lee Maciel (1st Grade) Title: The Rainbow of Morgan Hill

3rd Through 5th Grade (Intermediate)

First Place (Intermediate) and Grand Prize Winner Lucy Fleischer (4th Grade) Title: We Rise by Lifting Others

Second Place (Intermediate) Lily Lehrfeld (Grade 5) Title: Safe at Home

6th Through 8th Grade (Middle School)

First Place (Middle) Evie Lehrfeld (8th Grade) Title: Morgan Hill Together

Second Place (Middle) Jimena Ortega (Grade 7) Title: Be safe and healthy.

9th Through 12th Grade (High School)

First Place (High School) Alexis Long (Grade 11) Title: We will get through this.

Second Place (High School) Natalie Nielsen (Grade 10) Title: Unite!

Thank You to All Our Esteemed Judges

Nick Gaich, president of the MHCF, said the artwork was “truly a lens for all to recognize, empathize and support as the impact of the pandemic crosses all aspects of life unique to each individual while revealing that we are stronger together as a unifying force of strength, perseverance and hope.”
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MHUSD Superintendent Steve Betando said: “My very, very favorite moment was when I came across Lily's description of her work, "Making slime makes me happy."  She sold me! I am going to go out and buy some ingredients to make slime for myself.” Us too, Superintendent Betando. Us too!
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Our wonderful Morgan Hill Librarian, Heather Geddes, "loved seeing the effort that all the kids put into their art, and wished they could all be winners!" Judge Marilyn Wendt, whose brainchild created this contest & fundraiser, Val del Sur artists extraordinaire, Elwira Maszara and Susan Graeser, and local artist and president of El Toro Culture & Arts, Pamala Meador, gave all their time and effort to judge the art entries. 
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Thank you to judges Pamala Meador and Elwira Maszara for helping with selecting the grand prize winner, Lucy Fleischer, and her artwork titled, We Rise by Lifting Others. Beautiful message and artwork, Lucy!