On Dec. 2, two students received awards at the All Metro High School Art Show. Seniors Leslie Morales and Hailie Fergurson placed 1st and 3rd place. Morales found it to be a surprise. 

“The experience itself was very surprising,” Morales said in an email. “I found out through email the day after it was announced that I placed first and I thought it was sent to me by mistake. After I picked up my award from Meneses, it was so weird to have people come up to me and congratulate me, even people I hardly knew even. I appreciated it so much. I am so grateful to everyone and especially Mr. Erker for submitting my art.” 

Morales, Fergurson, and Sophomore Emilo Torres represented Fort Osage with four pieces, competing with 18 schools in the metro area. The winning artwork will be displayed at the Tim Murphy Gallery through Jan. 3 with free admission for the public. Fergurson was happy to experience the showcase and competition. 

“It was definitely an experience to remember,” Fergurson said. “All the art there was amazing and I had a lot of competition. Then to find out I was placed third was awesome. I would’ve never thought mine out of the other sculptures would’ve won.”

Winning students received gift cards to purchase art supplies. Torres thought it was a nice opportunity to show off his art. 

“It was different because my art has never gone anywhere,” Torres said. “It was nice to go there.” 

For more information about the students and their artworks, visit their page on Facebook at Art Matters at Fort Osage.