Shiprock High Sophomore Desiree Chee Receives Honorable Mention in Scholastic Art Awards

Desiree Chee, a sophomore at Shiprock High School, received an honorable mention from the New Mexico Art Education Association in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for an untitled mixed-media self-portrait that judges praised for creativity, thoughtful composition and strong visual impact. The piece uses neurographic art techniques and features green and yellow hues with the words "kind," "hardworking" and "loyal" written above Chee’s face.

The portrait began as a project in the art class Chee took last semester with teacher Sandra Garnanez. “Looking back at her art class at SHS, Chee said she remembers learning the line process, which used various designs within lines, such as zigzags and curves.” Although the work originated in that classroom setting, Chee is not currently enrolled in an art class. “Chee is not taking an art class but sees art as a hobby and enjoys learning new styles,” she said.

Chee described her choices in the piece as intentional explorations of identity. “Chee said she chose the colors to contrast the outside world with her inner self. She said the words reflect both how others may see her and how she sees herself.” Her remarks underline how student artwork can serve as both personal reflection and public expression. “I like seeing how people would represent things in art and how they express themselves in art,” she said. “It's really interesting to me.”

The recognition places Chee among a broad slate of New Mexico students honored this year; the mixed-media honorable mention list includes names such as Francesca Reyes, Kaiden Hardeman and Selena Begay, illustrating statewide participation across schools. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program and the New Mexico Art Education Association provide one avenue for young artists to gain exposure beyond the classroom.

For San Juan County, Chee’s achievement has local significance. Student art offers a low-cost, high-impact outlet for creativity and emotional expression, which supports youth well-being in communities facing limited extracurricular options. Chee’s trajectory - a classroom project that continues to resonate even while she is not currently enrolled in a class - points to the value of sustained arts programming and access for teens across the county.

As the school year progresses, Chee’s recognition serves as a reminder for educators, families and local leaders to support opportunities where young people can develop skills, explore identity and build resilience. Readers interested in student arts programming can check with Shiprock High School about current offerings and watch for local exhibitions that showcase student work.