Birdville ISD is proud to announce that 23 students from Birdville, Haltom and Richland High Schools have advanced to the state-level competition of the Texas Art Education Association’s Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), one of the most prestigious art competitions in Texas.

These talented students earned top honors at the regional VASE competition, where their artwork was evaluated by professional jurors on originality, technical skill and creative expression. Advancing to the state level represents the highest distinction in the event and places these students among the top young artists in Texas.

Out of 32,000 artworks submitted at the regional level, only 2,100 were chosen to advance to state. 

“This achievement reflects the exceptional talent, dedication and creativity of our students across Birdville ISD," said Danny Detrick, Director of Fine Arts. “Advancing to the state level of VASE is a tremendous honor. The work of these students exemplifies not only artistic skill, but also their perseverance and passion that define our visual arts program in BISD.”

Four of the students who advanced to the VASE state competition also received additional accolades. Birdville High's Hudson Luper, Richland High's Emrie Tarron and Haltom High's Daisy Sandoval each received one of only 150 Gold Seals that were awarded statewide. In addition, Richland High's Luis Jimenez received first place and a $600 scholarship for his Division 2 2D artwork.

The VASE competition is designed to recognize exemplary student achievement in the visual arts while promoting higher-level thinking, problem solving and communication skills. Participants undergo a rigorous adjudication process that includes both artwork evaluation and an in-depth interview with judges. 

Unlike traditional competitions, VASE focuses on individual growth and understanding, allowing students to submit original works in a wide range of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and digital art. 

The 23 students whose artwork advanced to state include the following: Reese Angel, Maggie Bui (3-year state qualifier), Ava Combs (2-year state qualifier), Holly Dutton, Samantha Fierro, Abigail Funk - 2 artworks advancing (2-year state qualifier), Michael Gonzalez, Raelynn Hearne - 2 artworks advancing (3-year state qualifier), Luiz Jimenez - 2 artworks advancing, Olivia King, Allan Kuderer - 2 artworks advancing (3-year state qualifier) Hudson Luper, Madeline Osborn, Addysyn Rodriguez, Daisy Sandoval - 2 artworks advancing (3-year state qualifier), Camila Sital Andrade, Payton Smith, Emrie Tarron - 2 artworks advancing, Sadie Taylor, Senadee Vidanagamage, Mary White. Isabella Womelsdorf, Nuohan Ye (2-year state qualifier).