SAGINAW, MI — The artistic achievements of Saginaw Public Schools students were on full display during the 2025 K–12 Cultural Art Exhibition.

On Wednesday, May 21, dozens of students from across the district were honored for their creativity, craftsmanship and innovation in visual arts.

The showcase highlighted the district’s student talent, with awards spanning elementary, middle and high school divisions.

The annual event recognized outstanding artwork in several categories, including drawing, painting, design and three-dimensional pieces—both functional and non-functional.

In addition to category awards, several Community Choice and Administrative Choice Awards were presented, emphasizing student impact and school pride.

Elementary Division I Highlights

Arthur Eddy Academy

• Best of School: Jaxon Gunn, 4th grade
• Best of Drawing: D’Saya Buford, 5th
• Best of Painting: Santionna Rios, 4th
• Best of Design: Aubreanna Baber, 3rd
• Best 3D Non-Functional: Davonnyay Whittington, 5th

Chester Miller Elementary

• Best of School: Samantha Miller, 5th
• Recognized across all major art categories, including drawing, painting, and 3D work.

Herig Elementary

• Best of School: Diego Leon Perez, 4th
• Dual Award Winner: Le’onna Thomas (drawing and design)

Merrill Park Elementary

• Best of School: Keontae Moore, 5th
• Included a standout kindergarten entry by Chi’Asia Davis-Smith in painting.

Zilwaukee Elementary

• Best of School: Joseph Keaner, 5th
• Also awarded for Best of Design

Middle School Division Highlights

Thompson Middle School

• Best of School: Sha’miya Myrick, 8th (also Best of Drawing)
• Community Choice Awards: Zachariah Flores and Edisbel Hernandez, both 7th grade

Saginaw Middle

• Best of School: Vanessa Lovell, 6th
• Ta’Kiyla Mallett and Ecari Collins took honors in drawing and design respectively.

SASA Middle

• Best of School: Kelly Debree, 7th
• Notable awards in every major category including 3D Functional art.

High School Division Highlights

SASA High School

• Best of School: August Clark, 12th
• August Clark also received Dr. Foley’s Administrative Choice Award and was recognized for Best of Drawing

Saginaw United High School

• Best of School: Eric Quintero, 12th
• Swept several categories, including painting and 3D design.

Special Awards:

• Team One Credit Union High Choice Award: Marizza Humes, 12th (SASA)
• Dr. Robert’s Administrative Choice Award: Rachel Wisniewski, 10th (SASA)

Elementary Division II Highlights

Handley Elementary

• Best of School: Tianna Ransom, 4th
• Dr. Tran’s Administrative Choice Award: Samantha Wagner, 5th
• Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission Award: Marceline Boks, 5th

Jessie Loomis Elementary

• Best of School: Brandon Hendricks, 3rd
• Maliah Goodcourage and Kentavious Robinson were recognized in 3D categories.

Jessie Rouse Elementary

• Best of School: Ezekiel Guijosa, 4th
• Community Choice Award: De’Wayne McMillan
• Team One Credit Union Elementary Award: Khadia Cain, 2nd

Kempton Elementary

• Best of School: Chance Bates, 2nd
• Recognized in drawing, painting, and design.

Stone Elementary

• Best of School: Karissa Height, 5th
• Strong showing across grade levels.

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