“We are not here to create the stars of tomorrow; rather we are here to create a whole human being today.” This statement is written in big, bold letters at the top of the Public Academy for Performing Arts (PAPA) website. Rio Metro recently partnered with a group of incredibly talented PAPA students and their dedicated Visual Arts teacher for a Rail Runner 15 Year Anniversary Poster Contest.
Ninety-six students in grades 6 to 12 participated in the poster contest. Students were given a list of artistic guidelines, or “must have’s” for their posters. They also learned about the history of the Rail Runner and were shown pictures of the train to inspire their artwork. They had approximately six weeks to complete the project.
A Teaching Moment
The contest was developed by Marie Morra, Marketing Specialist for the Rio Metro Regional Transit District. “I wanted to involve the younger generation and give them the opportunity to learn more about the Rail Runner and public transportation,” said Morra when asked about how the idea for this project evolved. “I thought this would be a good time to do something like this, during our 15th anniversary year.”
Community Involvement
After the posters were turned in, a panel of judges from the community was invited to select a winner for each grade level, as well as an overall grand prize winner. “There were some pieces that blew my mind,” said Morra. “I didn’t expect the level of artwork that we got.”
Judging took place on September 16, and the winners will be announced in October. All the participating students will receive a certificate, and the contest winners will receive special plaques during an event at the school.
“Being able to collaborate with PAPA has been such a great opportunity for Rio Metro. I’m appreciative of the students, and of their visual arts teacher Jody Chandler,” said Morra.
Winning pieces will be on display on the Rio Metro website in October.
About the School
The Public Academy for Performing Arts is a public charter school that integrates a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with performing arts and prepares students to pursue their passions and talents. The school started as a dream that became a reality in the year 2000. The school started with 180 students in grades 6 through 9, and has grown to its maximum of 450 students in grades 6 through 12.
Learn More About PAPA