Mission Ridge award-winning student excels through art education
The Socorro Independent School District selects an outstanding student to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the monthly Board of Trustees regular meeting. Students chosen for this honor seize the endless opportunities SISD provides to help them excel in the classroom and beyond. Here is how one student is seizing his opportunities in Team SISD.
The arts education experiences in the Socorro Independent School District have provided Ian Chairez-Marquez with a creative opportunity to explore and express his vibrant imagination.
As a fifth-grader at Mission Ridge Elementary School, Ian has already established himself as a talented artist, receiving several awards and recognitions since the second grade.
His artistic abilities not only showcase his hard work in drawing and painting but have also positively influenced his academic performance.
“It feels awesome because I know a lot of kids like this opportunity because they could express their creativity,” Ian said. “That's what I feel too. I like SISD because they let me express my creativity.”
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments, Ian was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Socorro ISD Board of Trustees regular meeting in December.
In second grade, Ian's artwork—a slice of pepperoni pizza with wings and birds perched in a tree—captured both first and second place in a district art show, showcasing his exceptional skills early on. The following year, he was recognized as one of the winners of Amazon's Hispanic Heritage Month art contest for creating a lively collage featuring Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, open hands, and corn stalks.
“I feel how I'm improving because of these competitions,” said Ian, who received an honorable mention in El Paso Community College’s 2024 K-12 Annual Art Exhibition. “I've improved in my art and reached many of my goals.”
This year, Ian won first place in the district's Día de los Muertos art competition in the elementary schools division. His drawing, titled “Sunset of the Dead” featured a portrait of a Catrina and a Catrin, a skeletal couple dressed in elegant and colorful clothing.
Another of his drawings, "Animal Spirit," which depicted an alebrije, or mystical animal, won the grand prize in Cricket's Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration art contest in the elementary division in October. His drawing featured a lion with the wings of a peacock and the horns of a reindeer.
“He loves his art, so you'll see the evolution of his art from second grade,” said Luz Arrellano, the assistant principal of Mission Ridge Elementary. “He’s getting better. He's getting more creative, taking more risks, trying different styles and color combinations. You can just see it as he goes along.”
Ian credits his teachers from first to fifth grade, including his current art teacher, Jose Montoya, for teaching him various art elements like shadowing and texturing and encouraging him to showcase his work at different competitions.
“He guides us while we’re doing it and explains to us how to make a successful piece,” Ian said.
Ian's opportunity to develop his creativity and express himself through his artwork has allowed him to enhance his critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He has applied these skills to other subjects, including reading, writing, and math, which has significantly contributed to his success as both an artist and a student.
“My grades are pretty high. They're really good,” Ian said. “I know that because of art, I've improved in school because it makes me express my creativity and be more mindful and ready to learn.”
Candace Printz, SISD Fine Arts assistant director and president of the Green Hope Project, has been closely following Ian’s progress since the collaboration between SISD and the Green Hope Project for the art contest with Cricket. She is eager to see Ian's artistic talent continue to flourish in middle school and high school.
This summer, SISD was honored with the 2024 District of Distinction Award from the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) for the fourth consecutive year. This award recognizes school districts that offer a well-rounded education by advocating for and integrating a visual arts curriculum. The aim is to inspire creativity and enhance social-emotional learning, helping students connect with their community and beyond.
“We're trying to expose these kids at a young age to these opportunities because not only is there therapy in art and a creative outlet, but there's also a career path,” Printz said. “Ian could graduate and become a graphic designer or do fine art. He could do so much with his art skills.”
In the meantime, Ian is getting ready for his upcoming competition: the UIL Art Smart contest in the spring. He is also excited about seizing new opportunities in soccer and band when he starts Eastlake Middle School next year.
Currently, he feels grateful to his parents and all his elementary school teachers for supporting his art and encouraging him to pursue his passion.
“My teachers are really supportive and that's something I am really thankful for because I could see how much they appreciate my art, and I appreciate them,” Ian said.