ROCHESTER, N.H. – October 28, 2024 – Rochester School District is thrilled to announce that four talented students have won the New Hampshire Department of Education’s state-wide art competition. Junior Addison Delano, sophomore Cassilly Gould, sophomore Arianna Malaquias, and junior Shannon Connolly were awarded top honors for their creative design, which will be transformed into a mural at the New Hampshire Department of Education headquarters.
The competition, launched by the Department of Education, invited high school students across New Hampshire to create an original 11x14 inch mock-up depicting “Max the Moose” in a vibrant and welcoming landscape of the iconic White Mountains. The winning artwork would then be converted into a large-scale mural, adding a colorful new chapter to Max’s habitat at the Department's offices in Concord.
“Our students rose to the challenge with dedication and remarkable skill,” said Annie Azarloza, Superintendent of the Rochester School District. “Their winning design not only highlights the beauty of New Hampshire’s natural landscapes but also reflects their creativity and community spirit. We’re so proud of Addison, Cassilly, Arianna, and Shannon and look forward to seeing their work inspire visitors from around the state.”
In the coming weeks, the winning students will have the unique opportunity to transfer their artwork onto a wall at the Department of Education, transforming their concept into a life-sized mural. This hands-on experience will allow the students to gain invaluable insight into large-scale artistic processes and bring their vision to life in a public space where it can be enjoyed by visitors, educators, and state leaders alike.
Through this competition, the Department of Education aims to showcase young artists' contributions to the cultural vibrancy of New Hampshire, with Max the Moose and the White Mountains serving as a memorable backdrop. The Rochester School District congratulates the winning students on their outstanding achievement and thanks the New Hampshire Department of Education for creating this platform for student expression and creativity.