TREA Announces 2026 Student Art Contest Winners, Celebrating “Where I Come From…Rural Texas”
AUSTIN, TX – April 28, 2026 – The Texas Rural Education Association (TREA) proudly announces the winners of its 2026 Student Art Contest, highlighting the creativity and talent of students from rural school districts across Texas.
This year’s contest featured 475 student entries across three grade-level divisions, all centered around the theme “Where I Come From…Rural Texas.” Through their artwork, students captured the landscapes, traditions, and personal stories that define rural communities across the state.
Paris Independent School District is proud to celebrate two student artists recognized in the Grades 3–5 division:
• 2nd Place: Vivan Young – 4th grader at Aikin Elementary
• 3rd Place: Harper Fleming – 4th grader at Aikin Elementary
Winning artwork will be featured during the TREA Annual Conference, held June 14–17, 2026, at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock, where more than 700 attendees will experience these outstanding student works.
The competition awarded cash prizes to the top three artists in each category:
• 1st Place: $500
• 2nd Place: $300
• 3rd Place: $150
TREA also extends sincere appreciation to BLICK Art Materials for generously providing gift certificates to both student winners and their art teachers.
“The theme this year gave students a powerful opportunity to tell their own stories,” said Bill Tarleton. “We were incredibly impressed by how these young artists captured the spirit of rural Texas. Their creativity and pride in their communities made this year’s contest truly special.”
Paris ISD congratulates Vivan Young and Harper Fleming on this outstanding achievement and for representing Wildcat Nation with creativity and pride.