CRISFIELD, MD (December 11, 2024) – Crisfield Academy & High School celebrated the artistic talents of its students in the annual Grinch Art Contest, showcasing 54 stunning pieces created by young artists. Conceived by the Principal, Mr. David Arnold and organized by the school's art teacher, Mr. David Simpson, in collaboration with the Dean of Students, Mrs. Keisha Evans and school administrators, the contest highlighted creativity, originality, and the ability to capture the Grinch’s theme through various mediums, including oil pastels, digital art, acrylic paint, colored pencils, and markers.
A generous donation of $500 from Diane Merriman funded awards and gift cards for the winners. Mrs. Merriman, a frequent visitor to Crisfield for the past 55 years, made the contribution in memory of Mrs. Evans’ mother. Last year, she donated $250 in honor of her late friend, continuing her legacy of support for the school and its students.
The contest culminated in recognizing 15 exceptional entries, including one Principal’s Award, one Vice Principal’s Award and one Dean of Students Award. The winners are as follows:
Jazmyne C. – Principal’s Award
Isabella M. – Vice Principal’s Award
Ryan W. – Dean of Students Award
Edward G. – Special Recognition
Jocelyn H. – Special Recognition
Emily W. – Special Recognition
Jy’Kerria M. – Special Recognition
Jenny G. – Special Recognition
Kimberly C. – Special Recognition
Esperanza T. – Honorable Mention
Alex L. – Honorable Mention
Tyiona B. – Honorable Mention
Dennilyn P. – Honorable Mention
Adam S. – Honorable Mention
Autumn S. – Honorable Mention
The contests' judging criteria emphasized creativity in concept, execution of the theme, and technical skills. Mr. Simpson and Mrs. Evans extended their gratitude to Ms. Merriman for her ongoing generosity and commitment to supporting student success through the arts.
“This contest is a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves and gain recognition for their talents,” said Mrs. Evans. “Ms. Merriman’s kindness and her dedication to honoring my mother’s memory make this event even more special.”
Mr. Simpson added, “The creativity and hard work our students put into their pieces was truly inspiring. Seeing their unique interpretations of the Grinch theme reminded me why art is such an important outlet for expression. I’m so proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
The Grinch Art Contest continues to be a cherished tradition at Crisfield Academy & High School, inspiring students to embrace their artistic potential and connect with the community through creative expression.
Three winning pieces stood out from all other submissions in the Crisfield Academy & High School Grinch Art Contest: Jazmyne C. (left) won the Principal’s Award and a $100 gift card. Isabella M. (right) won the Vice Principal’s Award and a $50 gift card. Ryan W. (center) won the Dean’s Award and a $50 gift card.
Earning the “Special Recognition” award and a $50 gift card, were (L-R) Jocelyn H., Emily W., Jy’Kerria M., Jenny G., Edward G. and Kimberly C.
Earning the “Honorable Mention” award and a $20 gift card, were (L-R) Alex L., Dennilyn P., Tyiona B., and Esperanza T. Winners not pictured: Adam S., Autumn S.
Jazmyne C.’s “Principal’s Choice” award-winning art piece in Crisfield Academy & High School’s Grinch Art Contest features vibrant colors and textures using a medium of oil pastels .
Isabella M.’s “Vice Principal’s Choice” award-winning art piece in Crisfield Academy & High School’s Grinch Art Contest conveys distance and perspective through her chosen medium of acrylic paint.
Ryan W.’s “Dean’s Choice” award-winning art piece in Crisfield Academy & High School’s Grinch Art Contest depicts a mountainous landscape and night sky using his chosen medium of colored pencils.