APPOMATTOX – Young artistic talent from Appomattox County was recently recognized on a regional stage, with Rowan Morgan, a student at Appomattox Elementary School, securing third place in the elementary school division of the 2025 Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Southern Regional Art Contest.

The judging took place on March 26, 2025, during a regional forum where local school board members from across the Southern Region evaluated an impressive display of creativity from elementary, middle, and high school students.

The VSBA Regional Art Contest, established in 1989, aims to highlight the artistic achievements of public school students across Virginia. Each year, winners are selected from elementary, middle, and high school submissions within each of the VSBA’s nine regions. Traditionally, the winning artwork is framed and displayed at the VSBA headquarters in Charlottesville.

This year marks an exciting expansion, with the VSBA Board of Directors introducing a new statewide art competition. First-place regional winners will automatically advance to compete at the state level. Statewide winners, set to be determined in early June, will receive a $1,000 award, a commemorative trophy, and recognition during the Opening General Session of the 2025 VSBA Annual Convention on November 19, 2025.

The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization, works to promote excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services for school boards across the Commonwealth.

For further details about the VSBA art contest, interested parties can contact VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson at [email protected] or (434) 295-8722. Inquiries regarding student winners should be directed through the Appomattox County Public Schools superintendent’s office.