Back row from left to right are Rotarians Joe Aquino, Keith Buchhalter and Art Teacher Lori Raines. Front row left to right are award winners Emily Jimenez, Gretchen Riccobuno and Jiselle Lara. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.

Back row from left to right are Rotarians Joe Aquino, Keith Buchhalter and Art Teacher Lori Raines. Front row left to right are award winners Emily Jimenez, Gretchen Riccobuno and Jiselle Lara. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.

Rotary President Keith Buchhalter and rotary member Joe Aquino attended Virgin Valley Elementary School’s morning routine on Nov. 23 to present the winners for the art contest the Rotary held during their annual Glow in the Dark Ball Drop event earlier this month.

According to art teacher, Lori Raines, this was also the first time that one student from each participating grade level was awarded a place in the contest.

For each of the winners, the Rotary framed their work and also provided gift certificates that the student could enjoy with their families.

First place went to Emily Jimenez, Fifth Grade. Second went to Gretchen Riccobuno, Fourth Grade and third place was awarded to Jiselle Lara, a third grader.

“It was a very hard decision to make, but we had to have a winner,” said Buchhalter. “We would like to thank Mrs. Raines for all of her hard work. She’s a great art teacher and we appreciate all she has done.”

“This is just a great opportunity to teach about patriotism,” said Raines, stating that art and patriotism are two things she is highly passionate about.