Originally scheduled for Feb. 20, the annual VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) competition was rescheduled to Saturday due to the winter storm last month. The deadline to submit artwork was also extended from Feb. 15 to Feb. 27. 

Despite the change, art teacher Fred Rodriguez remains excited for his students.  

“I’m hoping we all get 4’s, the highest you can get,” Rodriguez said. “I’m hoping we can get some people to go to state, that’s always fun and super encouraging. Regardless, it’s always awesome to see the work.” 

Normally, students would prepare their work for competition day, where they would be interviewed by a judge who then scores their work 1-4, with 4 being the highest. The works received a 4 would be put out on display, and other judges then come in later to choose from those who go to state. 

This year, there is no interview and the works were all submitted virtually, but this doesn’t change how Rodriguez sees the opportunity VASE presents to his students.  

“VASE for me is to showcase the art students’ work, that’s the biggest thing,” Rodriguez said. “It’s not about me, but just all the work the art students have put in and just each student individually has put in to make the work, want to reflect over it, and then submit it.”