From a Maryland Jockey Club release
Kayla Nicole Johnson, a 12th grader at Western High School, is the grand prize winner of the 15th annual Preakness Portraits Youth Art Contest.
Students from nine Baltimore City area schools, grades K through 12, were invited to create artwork showing the significance of the Preakness to Maryland history, while capturing the spirit of Thoroughbred racing. The artwork had to include Preakness-related images.
As the winner of “The Jewel”, the best artwork for grades 5 through 12, Johnson receives box seating for four to the May 17 Preakness, artwork autographed by this year’s Preakness winners and a $250 gift certificate, which she received at today’s award ceremony.
“The Junior Jewel”, the best artwork for grades K through 4, went to 10 year old Kevin Taylor, a 3rd grader from Cross Country Elementary School. Taylor received a $100 gift certificate at today’s award ceremony.
This year there were a record number of entries so two additional categories were added. The Reserve Junior Jewel and the Reserve Jewel. Each winner received a $50 gift certificate.
All the artwork can be seen at Pimlico Race Course in the first floor grandstand through June 7.
Participating schools:
- Arlington Elementary/Middle
- ConneXions School for the Arts
- Cross Country Elementary/Middle
- Edgecombe Circle Elementary/Middle
- Fallstaff Elementary/Middle
- Hampden Elementary/Middle
- Mt. Washington Elementary/Middle
- Pimlico Elementary/Middle
- Western High
