17 CFISD Students Win Prestigious Awards in Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Contest
In a remarkable display of talent and creativity, 17 CFISD art students have earned top honors in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) School Art Program. Their award-winning artworks will be proudly displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Center during the Rodeo from March 4-23, 2025. This year’s competition marks a record achievement for CFISD, with a historic number of students taking home awards and an unprecedented six pieces selected for the rodeo art auction.
The HLSR School Art Program, a long-standing tradition for over 50 years, serves as a platform for young artists across the Houston area to showcase their work. It provides students, from Pre-K to 12th grade, the chance to compete, win scholarships, and have their art displayed at one of the largest events in Texas. The program aims to inspire students to think creatively while celebrating Texas' deep agricultural and Western roots. Each year, thousands of entries are submitted, but only the most outstanding pieces are chosen to be part of the official exhibition and auction.
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For CFISD, this year’s competition has special significance. The 2025 contest marked the second year students with special needs were given the opportunity to participate, and 10 artworks created by CFISD LIFE Skills students were selected for the official judging. The district’s inclusion of students with special needs highlights CFISD’s commitment to fostering artistic expression in all students.
CFISD art teachers played a crucial role in selecting the winners, using two rounds of judging to determine the 61 best pieces that would advance to the official HLSR School Art Program contest. The first round also helped determine which artworks would be displayed at the CFISD Rodeo Art Exhibit, held at the CFISD Visual and Performing Arts Center in January.
The 2025 contest also marks a milestone with multiple CFISD students earning top awards, including several Gold Medal and Special Merit honors. Cypress Woods High School sophomore Gabriella Bartczak was awarded Best of Show for her piece “Watchin’ Over the Mule Train,” which was also selected for the Rodeo Art Auction. Bridgeland High School junior Bolin Xiang also earned Best of Show for his artwork titled “Oh! My Hat!” Both pieces will be featured in the prestigious Rodeo Art Auction, where bidders will have the chance to purchase these exceptional works.
Several other CFISD students earned Gold Medal honors, including Cypress Ranch High School senior Bitiah Binoj for her piece “Matching Jewelry” and Cypress Ridge High School senior Lenore Ross for “Saddlewood Glow.” Other Gold Medal winners include Cypress Creek High School senior Levi Metcalf for “Modern Pueblo” and Cypress Park High School sophomore Lois Yeboah, who created “Humor Heel.” These students’ works reflect a diverse range of artistic styles and subjects, from vivid depictions of Western life to modern interpretations of culture and identity.
Special Merit awards were given to several students for their remarkable contributions to the contest. Among the Special Merit recipients were Cypress Ranch sophomore Ericka Mendoza for her artwork “El Gallo Rey,” Cypress Ranch sophomore Jordyn Adams for “Through the Cowboy’s Eyes,” and Cypress Ranch senior Elena Trevino for her piece “Hey Ma Look What I Found.” Other Special Merit winners included Cy-Fair High School senior Ravine Cohen for “Mist on the Aspin Trail” and Langham Creek High School senior Katelinn Barnes for “A Moment’s Rest.”
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In the Middle School Division, CFISD students shone brightly, with Spillane Middle School eighth-grader Lisa Lin winning Best of Show for her artwork “My Kids.” Smith Middle School eighth-grade student Minh Hoang was awarded a Gold Medal for her piece titled “Somewhere in the South.”
The Elementary School Division also saw impressive achievements, with Ault Elementary School fifth grader Aria Stitzel taking home Best of Show for her artwork “If Vincent Came to Town.” Moore Elementary third grader Joshlynn Bingham earned Best of Show for “You Had Me at BAAAH.” Shirley Liu from Wells Elementary School won a Gold Medal for her artwork titled “Messy Horse.”
These talented students are not only demonstrating their technical skill but also conveying powerful messages through their art. For many of them, earning recognition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a dream come true—a testament to their hard work and dedication.
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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, established in 1932, has become a staple of the Houston community. The event brings together education, entertainment, and Western heritage, offering an array of livestock competitions, performances by top musical artists, and, of course, its renowned School Art Program. The Rodeo has provided more than $630 million in scholarships to Texas youth, making it one of the largest scholarship providers in the nation.
This year, CFISD’s 17 winners are part of the thousands of students from around the Houston area who will be celebrated for their creativity. These young artists represent the future of Texas culture, each contributing to the rich tradition of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with their unique visions and voices.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
