Education

For families across Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (CFISD), the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is more than a spring tradition — it’s a stage where local students step into the spotlight.

This year, 20 CFISD art students earned Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) School Art Program awards after advancing through multiple rounds of judging. Their work will be displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Center during the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which runs March 2–22.

For students, parents and teachers across Cypress, Bridgeland and the greater northwest Houston area, the recognition represents months — and in some cases years — of dedication to their craft.

What the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program Means for CFISD Students

The HLSR School Art Program is one of the largest student art competitions in the nation. Each year, thousands of entries from across the Greater Houston area are submitted, with only a select number advancing to final judging at NRG Stadium. Top pieces are displayed publicly during Rodeo season, and select works are chosen for the highly anticipated School Art Auction.

For CFISD students, the journey began at the campus level. Art teachers conducted two rounds of local judging to determine which pieces would advance to the official HLSR School Art Program contest. The initial round also selected artwork for display at the CFISD Rodeo Art Exhibit, held Jan. 27 at the CFISD Visual and Performing Arts Center — a showcase that allows the community to celebrate student creativity before the works move on to NRG.

The program aligns closely with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s broader mission: promoting agriculture, Western heritage, education and youth achievement. Since its founding in 1932, HLSR has grown into one of the largest livestock exhibitions and rodeos in the world, awarding millions of dollars annually in scholarships and supporting educational programs throughout Texas. The School Art Program remains a cornerstone of that commitment, blending fine arts with Texas heritage themes that reflect the spirit of the Rodeo.

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High School Division: Best of Show, Gold Medals and Auction Honors

In the High School Division, CFISD students earned multiple top distinctions:

• Cypress Woods High School freshman Lisa Lin won Best of Show for “Every Saturday Since.”
• Bridgeland High School senior Bolin Xiang won Best of Show for “Trouble on the Trail” and was named a cash premium prize winner.
• Bridgeland sophomore Kaitlyn Ricci earned a gold medal for “Bruno and his Gang.”
• Cypress Woods junior Gabriella Bartczak earned a gold medal for “Wrangle Ranch,” and her piece was selected for the Rodeo Art Auction.
• Cypress Falls High School senior Aliyah Robles won a gold medal for “Around Our Home.”
• Cypress Ranch High School freshman Minh Hoang received a special merit award for “A Mellow Day.”
• Bridgeland junior Emma Cardenas earned a special merit award for “Breathe.”
• Cypress Falls junior Ma’Delly Hermida earned a special merit award for “The Quiet Offering.”
• Bridgeland senior Eleanor Tietigen received a special merit award for “One Last Ride.”
• Cypress Lakes High School senior Rianne Genova earned a special merit award for “Rough Housin’.”

The 2026 contest marks the third time Cypress Woods High School junior Gabriella Bartczak has had her artwork selected to advance to the School Art Auction — a notable achievement in a program known for its competitive selection process. The School Art Auction will be held March 15 at NRG Center.

For many high school seniors, participation in the HLSR School Art Program also strengthens college portfolios and scholarship applications, offering exposure in one of the region’s most recognized youth art platforms.

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Middle School Division: Young Artists Shine

CFISD middle school students also earned top recognition:

• Sprague Middle School seventh grader Sarah Liu won Best of Show for “You and I.”
• Sprague eighth grader Audrey Nguyen earned a gold medal for “Lone Star Rising.”
• Sprague seventh grader Jovy Lee received a special merit award for “Waiting.”
• Sprague eighth grader Jaydon Xu earned a special merit award for “The Golden Thread.”
• Hamilton Middle School eighth grader Isabella LaRue received a special merit award for “Where the Wind Stands Still.”
• Hamilton eighth grader Chloe Ruiz earned a special merit award for “Coop Duty.”
• Hamilton eighth grader Nathan Nguyen received a special merit award for “Remnants of the West.”

For these students, the recognition represents early affirmation of artistic talent and perseverance — often inspiring continued participation through high school.

Elementary Division: Big Honors for Youngest Creators

In the Elementary School Division:

• Wells Elementary School fifth grader Shirley Liu won Best of Show for “Eye Contact.”
• Sampson Elementary School first grader Tamim Kotb earned a gold medal for “Colorful Cow.”
• Warner Elementary School second grader Ngoc Nguyen won a gold medal for “Night Sky Cactus.”

For families attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this March, seeing these young artists’ work displayed at NRG Center offers a powerful reminder that talent begins early — and that CFISD campuses are cultivating creativity alongside academics.

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Why This Matters for the Cypress Community

For residents in Cypress, Bridgeland and surrounding northwest Harris County neighborhoods, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program represents more than competition results. It connects local classrooms to a statewide cultural institution that celebrates Texas history, agriculture and youth achievement.

Public recognition at NRG Center provides students with visibility beyond their campuses. For families, it reinforces the strength of CFISD fine arts programming. For the broader community, it highlights the district’s investment in creative education — an element that contributes to well-rounded student development and long-term opportunity.

As the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo opens its gates March 2, many CFISD families will walk into the Hayloft Gallery not just as spectators — but as proud supporters of neighbors whose artwork now hangs among the region’s best.

For updates on local student achievements, education news and community milestones across Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.