Each year, Gem State Adventist Academy’s student body includes many who are exceptionally talented in creative endeavors.
Whether it’s an interest and ability in music, graphic design, art or writing, students take advantage of opportunities to be mentored and to expand their God-given talents during their course of study. In turn, when they have opportunities to showcase those developing skills, their community is blessed.
Kimberley Mitchell, GSAA teacher, has a front-row seat for creative learning and growth as she guides all students in their respective English classes and those who choose to enroll in art class.
For the majority of her time teaching at GSAA, Mitchell has shared writing contest opportunities with her students. Each year, several students receive awards for their submissions and/or are included in a publication.
This year, 16 GSAA students were selected by Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence’s writing challenge, Love Languages in Healthy Relationships. Hundreds of Idaho students submitted short works in multiple languages, and GSAA students were among those chosen for publication and awards.
Those who wrote were reminded by the challenge's introduction that “through self-reflection and writing, we can begin to understand how to recognize the characteristics of healthy relationships and engage in practices and build skills to foster healthy relationships.”
Per the submission requirements, each piece had to be 100 words or fewer and an original work by an Idaho student in middle through high school. All selected pieces will be published by the Coalition in a book.
The winning GSAA students each received a $25 Amazon gift card and Brinley Kendall, GSAA junior, received a $250 cash award for being selected as one of the top 10. In addition, the teacher was awarded gift cards based on how many students submitted and how many were chosen.
The annual Art Show in conjunction with the music department's final concert served as another opportunity for students to showcase creativity. Students in art class displayed the portfolios and paintings developed throughout the year, and the exhibit was full of work showing great passion and talent.
Several students in particular completed exceptional paintings and art pieces. Abrianna Drake’s painting, “Helping Hands,” stood out, as did Grace Mirra’s, “Passion’s Summer Breeze.” Alivia Thomas’ portrait, “The Scarlet Lady,” was truly stunning and took untold hours to complete.
GSAA is eager to see how God is going to use these talents as the young artists continue to express themselves creatively and grow in their abilities.
Whether through thoughtful and well-chosen words, drawing and painting, or other expressions of art, the hope and goal is that all will bring honor to God, the true Creator and Artist.
Abrianna Drake's painting, "Helping Hands," is showcased at GSAA's Art Show.
Alivia Thomas poses with her painting, "The Scarlet Lady."
Grace Mirra smiles and showcases her piece, "Passion's Summer Breeze."
GSAA student authors pose for a group photo.
GSAA students wrote and submitted stories for contests this year, several of which won awards or were printed in publications.
