Small Town Times | Page 4

Gracie has been interviewed by the Custer County Chief and will be in the Ravenna News for her recent award with her artwork. Recently, many elementary students entered a contest called “Draw Your Dreams” sponsored by U.S. Bank. Students drew a picture of what they want to do when they grow up. Several students from Litchfield had memorable and commendable goals, a few were: to be a burn doctor, to own their own farm, to be an actress, a vet, a nurses and a mom. Gracie Ritchie drew herself riding a bucking bronco in a rodeo. As Lisa Fischer from the Custer County Chief interviewed her, Gracie spoke about how much she truly loves riding horses at her grandpa’s. Gracie stated that when she’s older she’d love to go to school to be a welder and work with her Grandpa on the farm. Gracie talked of how lucky her Grandpa was to have lots of Big Blue Stem in his pastures last year for his horses to eat. She is a true farm girl, loving the outdoors and all animals. With her award she earned a $1,000 scholarship that will accumulate interest until she is ready to use it in about 11 years! Good job Gracie, ride on! By: Allison Varah Litchfield artists were chosen to represent the state’s art programs at the Nebraska Association of School Board’s Conference coming up at the end of November. Gavin Cole and Caydence Feldman have mixed media works that represent their dreams and aspirations in life that were chosen as exemplary works. Nebraska recently adopted new fine art standards, this includes: Media Arts, Visual Art, Dance, Music and Theatre. These new standards were approved by the Nebraska State Board of Education on March 4, 2014. The works that were selected have labels explaining exactly what standard was used by the art department when doing these projects. In this case it is Fine Art Standard: Connect, 12.2.4.d Connect images, objects, and a personal work of art to convey a story, familiar experience or connection to the world. The assignment in this case was to design a work of art showing what you would like to be when you grow up. Students then connected their inner thoughts and ideas to create these beautiful works explaining to the viewer one of their ideas for their future. When interviewed about her work Caydence Feldman a second grade student said “In my picture I’m an actress being an art teacher on the stage, like on Broadway.” When asked what inspired her to make the work she said “I want to be famous.” Gavin Cole a sixth grade student said “This picture is of me working on a transformer” when asked what inspired him: “well, my Dad is an electrician so I’d like to just follow in the family business. I’d like to go to school to be an electrician.” When asked what he liked about the job he said “I like that you get to work outside a lot, I like being outdoors.” School Board members from across the state will have an opportunity to see the wonderful work our students have done. These amazing works will not only represent the talent of Litchfield art students but also the high aspirations of our students to follow their dreams and talents to success. 4 By: Allison Varah You may have seen this young lady in your local paper. Litchfield Students have Artwork Accepted into the Nebraska School Board Show Page Gracie Ritchie WINS $1,000 for her Artwork