Selected from hundreds of artworks created by Spring Branch ISD student artists, 84 pieces were sent to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) School Art Contest for judging.

Competing against artists from more than 130 school districts in the Houston area, SBISD students earned numerous honors. Seventeen Western-themed art pieces from SBISD received awards, including three named Best of Show (see list below).

According to Lindsay Ripley, SBISD visual arts coordinator, it is rare for a district to earn as many Special Merit awards as SBISD has.

“It is a testament to the hard work of our gifted student artists and the guidance of their art teachers,” Ripley said. “I am so impressed with these incredible artists!”

In addition to the Best of Show, Gold Medal, and Special Merit awards, six SBISD pieces were selected for the School Art Auction during the rodeo. In past years, some of the artwork has sold for more than $200,000.

“Patrons of the rodeo bid on the artworks,” Ripley said. “Each piece is sold to the highest bidder, and the money is given to the student artist in the form of a college scholarship.”

Shocked, Stunned and Surreal

One of the students whose art won an HLSR School Art Special Merit award and was chosen for the auction is Ruby V. Gonzalez, a ninth grader at Stratford High School. Her piece, Heart of the Farm, features two colorful chickens in the arms of two women. Gonzalez said she was shocked when she learned her artwork would be in the auction.

Gonzalez has been on an art journey since fourth grade.

“When I was a kid, I was always nervous to talk to people, so I drew, and it calmed me down,” she said. “That’s how I got interested in art.”

She credits her art teacher, Virginia Herrera, for helping transform her into an award-winning artist.

“I am so excited for Ruby to participate in the rodeo auction,” Herrera said. “Her dedication and talent are extraordinary, especially for such a young student. The way she enhances color in her work is so striking. I can't wait to see her skills and imagination develop over her remaining three and a half years of high school.”

Another Stratford student, 11th grader Paulina Ausucua, entered a piece titled Guardian of the Plains, which earned a Special Merit award from HLSR. This peaceful depiction of a longhorn steer resting in a field was also selected for the auction. Ausucua was stunned when she heard the news.

“It felt like time stopped,” she said of the moment her art teacher, Rachel Goins, informed her of the honor. “I honestly wasn’t expecting it to go to auction. When I heard I was chosen, I wanted to break down and cry, but I held it in because I didn’t want to embarrass myself. This was my ultimate goal, and receiving this honor was very surreal and exciting.”

Goins has enjoyed watching Ausucua grow as an artist during her years at Stratford.

“Paulina is an amazing young artist with incredible talent,” Goins said. “Every day, I’m blown away by her passion for creating, her work ethic, and her kind and humble nature. Her artwork has a way of reaching others on a deep level that resonates with many people.”

On Display

The Western-themed artwork of all the School Art honorees, including the 17 from SBISD, will be on display in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Center during the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, March 4-23.

We are #SBISDProud to be so well represented at the show.

Elementary

• Alex Oliphant, 5th grade, Rummel Creek Elementary, Midnight Cowboy, Best of Show
• Madelyn Cotter, 2nd grade, Valley Oaks Elementary, The Pattern Farm, Gold Medal

Middle School

• Chan Hyeon Park, 8th grade, Memorial Middle School, Serenity in the Field, Best of Show
• Jocelyn Barcenas, 7th grade, Spring Forest Middle School, Texas Falcon, Gold Medal
• April Li, 8th grade, Memorial Middle School, Midnight, Special Merit

High School

• Chloe Shao, 11th grade, Memorial High School, Food for Thought, Best of Show*
• Katherine Han, 11th grade, Memorial High School, Trusted Friend, Gold Medal*
• Catherine Kerns, 11th grade, Stratford High School, Wrangler’s Dance, Gold Medal*
• Sarah McCarthy, 11th grade, Memorial High School, What Happens at the Ranch Stays at the Ranch, Special Merit
• Madison Stone, 10th grade, Stratford High School, Ranch Roamin’ Spirit, Special Merit
• Ada Lau, 12th grade, Memorial High School, Hold on Tight, Special Merit
• Sarah Haywood, 12th grade, Stratford High School, Waiting for the Ride, Special Merit
• Ruby V. Gonzalez, 9th grade, Stratford High School, Heart of the Farm, Special Merit*
• Zanli Morris, 12th grade, Memorial High School, Valiance, Special Merit
• Paulina Ausucua, 11th grade, Stratford High School, Guardian of the Plains, Special Merit*
• Arkana Anwar, 10th grade, Memorial High School, Kindred Souls, Special Merit
• Kassia Tan, 11th grade, Memorial High School, Let’s Go Mav, Special Merit*

*Selected for the HLSR School Art Auction