Manassas Student Wins Statewide Art Contest On Elementary Level

MANASSAS, VA — A Manassas student's artistic talents earned him a statewide award from a new Virginia School Boards Association contest.

Kingston Rosner, a fourth grader at Weems Elementary School in Manassas, was named the elementary school winning in the first-ever Virginia School Boards Association Statewide Art Contest. His original artwork, titled "What's in My Head," was chosen from first place regional winners around Virginia. Rosner's artwork had won first place in the Virginia School Boards Association's Northeastern Regional Art Contest in May.

As the elementary school winner, Rosner will receive a $1,000 award and a commemorative trophy during the Virginia School Boards Association Annual Convention in Williamsburg on Nov. 19.

This is the second year Weems Elementary School had a winner in the Northeastern Regional Student Art Contest. According to the school district, the school's visual arts program is led by art teacher Amy Saylor.

"Kingston is a gifted young artist with an incredible sense of vision and voice in his work," said Weems Elementary School Principal Michele Hupman. "Under the guidance of Ms. Saylor, our students thrive in an environment where creativity is encouraged and celebrated. We’re incredibly proud of Kingston and thrilled to see him recognized at the state level."

Rosner's artwork has been on display at the Virginia School Boards Association headquarters in Charlottesville.

"We are thrilled to honor these student artists and give them a platform to share their creativity with school board members from across the state," said Virginia School Boards Association Executive Director Gina Patterson. "Public education is about more than just academics, it’s about fostering imagination, expression, and passion. This contest is a reminder of the importance of the arts in a well-rounded education."