At the March 12 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting, Charles Matz, Catasauqua High School art teacher, discussed the four CHS students who excelled in the Pennsylvania Art Education Association National Art Month contests.

March is recognized as National Youth Art Month.

“(National) Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs and promotes art material safety,” according to the PAEA website. “The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including problem-solving, creativity, observation and communication.”

CHS senior Kaylyn Davis was named the PAEA Youth Art Month Exhibit Region 10 winner for her piece titled “Excision.” She was also awarded the Scholastic Gold Key and Scholastic Silver Key.

Junior Juliana Vazquez received the PAEA Youth Art Month Flag Contest Advocacy Award, the PAEA Youth Art Month Flag Contest Overall Design Award and Scholastic Honorable Mention.

Junior Kailynn Rivera received the PAEA Youth Art Month Flag Contest High School Division Award.

Cassidy Stauffer earned the Scholastic Gold Key for her embroidered art piece.

Gold Key winners will have their pieces entered into a national competition.

The organization shared congratulations for the 24 students whose artwork received an award and the four students who created the winning flag designs, including Juliana and Kailynn.

According to Matz, Juliana’s flag design will be made into a physical flag, which will be displayed to represent Pennsylvania at the Council for Art Education Youth Art Month showcase, which was set for April 4-6 at the National Art Education Association convention in Minneapolis, Minn.

CASD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling shared her appreciation for Matz and his efforts in teaching the district’s students. She also noted he is active in the regional and national art education communities and recently received an art educator award.

She said she is appreciative for the opportunities he provides for students.

The PAEA Youth Art Month exhibit, featuring more than 300 student artworks, is on display at the state Capitol in Harrisburg for the public to enjoy. Pictures of the artwork are also available for viewing online.