The Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE,) an art contest with hundreds of students, was held here on Feb. 7.

“VASE is the one opportunity for our students to compete academically and artistically,” Head Coordinator Dallas Williams said. “It’s a one of a kind event, the largest in the state. We’re the only place that does this event, so it’s awe inspiring to see what happens and what the students will bring.”

Senior Misbah Yasin, who has participated in the contest before, said it was different.

“This year was more competitive because I was in a higher art class, so there was better artwork, making it harder to get to state,” Yasin said.

Senior Elijah Tatum was the only one to advance to state from this school.

“When I found out, I was pretty excited,” Tatum said. “Before I found out (the outcome) I was extremely nervous, but I really enjoyed that I am able to go to state.”

Yasin said she was surprised that only one person advanced.

“My expectation was that my piece was going to be the only piece I’ve made that would be going to state,” she said. “I spent so much time on it, and I was expecting for it to go further than last year.”

A benefit of being involved in the competition is learning more about art from different aspects, Williams said.

“(Students) learn how to communicate about their art and how their art communicates with people,” Williams said. “Also, they get an opportunity to see art by students other than their friends. It’s usually very inspiring and enriching.”

Tatum said he used his artwork to tell a story.

“The hands represent the innocence of someone or something coming out of the door, and the wood that you see is rotten,” he said. “The wood represents the corruption of the world, and the hands represent former innocence to the corrupt world. Then, you become like the world, and you’re no longer innocent.”

VASE was a memorable moment for her, Yasin said.

“I’m going to miss actually trying because in three years I haven’t been able to go to state,” she said. “I thought I was this year, but I didn’t. I’m probably still going to come back to visit and work the (event) but I’m not going to be able to submit my artwork.”

Williams has been in charge of the event hosted here for many years.

“I get to watch students grow,” she said. “I sometimes get to see the same students one year to the next, so it’s always interesting to see what happens and what they have learned over the year.”