Valentina Gaona talking with superintendent Ken Kenworthy about her art titled "Flowers".

OKEECHOBEE- Osceola Middle School eighth grader Valentina Gaona’s art will be hanging in the capitol in Tallahassee for the upcoming legislative session.

OMS participated in the annual Art in the Capitol competition in November. The competition is for students in grades 6 through 8 in Florida. Each school district is required to hold an annual art competition with artwork judged by a selection committee consisting of art teachers. The winning art from each district is then displayed in the Capitol during the legislative session.

Valentina was awarded first place for her art, which depicts a vase of colorful flowers next to an open book.  Second place went to Fortino Hernandez, who’s art featured a bird coming to rest on a tree branch. Third place was awarded to OMS eighth grader Ausem Allen, who drew a beach scene with a lounge chair sitting among palm trees with a relaxing view of the ocean.

Ausem Allen created a relaxing beach scene for his entry into the competition.

OMS art teacher Angela Jones helps run the competition in Okeechobee, and was given a shout-out at the Okeechobee County School Board meeting for her work with the kids.

“For the past several years we have been very fortunate that Mrs. Jones heads up this competition,” said superintendent Ken Kenworthy. “We know that without the motivation and inspiration of their teachers, out students may not go as far. So we want to thank her for what she does on a daily basis.”