Three students from Mount Vernon High School—senior Max Moore, sophomore Joclyn Lindsey, and junior Mariah Huerte—have been named winners in the Juried Exhibition of Student Art (JESA).
This marks the first year Mount Vernon High School students have submitted work to the competition, already highlighting the strength and potential of the school’s art program.
“They will be honored at an awards ceremony in Columbus on May 2 along with other Ohio winners,” said art teacher Mrs. Gentry.
Out of 120 regional winners and 30 grand prize winners statewide, all three Mount Vernon students were selected as regional winners. Lindsey and Huerte also earned the distinction of grand prize winners.
“I don’t think what I have won has hit me yet,” Huerte said.
The JESA competition is held only once every four years, and grand prize winners receive a $500 award, further emphasizing the significance of the students’ achievements.
This year’s competition required artists to incorporate a violin into their work. Each student approached the theme in a unique and personal way.
“What inspired me was how when someone plays an instrument, they play it with their soul, and I find that beautiful,” Moore said.
