Maricopa Wells Middle School has one third of county poster contest finalists

Maricopa Wells Middle School art instructor Loretta Yager is feeling very proud of her students, and she has good reason.

Three sixth grade students were recent finalists in a countywide competition, the Pinal County Attorney General Anti-Drug Poster Contest. Another four sixth graders were named as semi-finalists.

The assignment for the contest was originally given in September. Judges then selected ten finalists, three from Maricopa Wells: Lillian Clay, Kiara Gil and Jacob Marquez. Among their various awards, some presented last month, these finalists won a field trip to the Challenger Space Center in Peoria. Students and their families also had a photo shoot with Pinal County Attorney General James P. Walsh at the Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum in Apache Junction and Rosati’s pizza.

Additionally, 51 contest semi-finalists were selected; four were from Maricopa Wells, including Angle Barajas, Little Sausedo, Kearalyn Langford and Tatiana Castro.

Last year the school had two semi-finalists in the competition. With this year’s success, interest should run high for next year’s contest, as well as eliciting support for the anti-drug message.

“I am more than proud of these art students and their achievements,” said Yager. “All students can understand and demonstrate quality standards in their school work. I simply teach them how to create beautiful artwork based upon the elements of art and the principles of design. My students are my inspiration, and I feel very fortunate to be teaching the talented students here at Wells.”

In a morning assembly on Jan. 27 Maricopa Police Chief Kirk Fitch will present the students with awards from the city of Maricopa.

Submitted photos courtesy of Loretta Yager