“Celebrate Fall River” art contest winners announced

After considering over 100 entries and a public voting period where over 1,000 votes were cast, the winners of the “Celebrate Fall River” art contest have been chosen.

According to Patti Rego, District Director of VIVA Fall River, the contest was a part of the We HeART Fall River Festival, which took place on May 8th in Downtown Fall River.

“(The festival) was a unified celebration of the power of the arts and culture to make a difference and to change our lives and our City.”

The event was organized by Miranda Pellegrino (Art teacher at Resiliency Preparatory Academy), the Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition (FRACC), Craftyish Shop and We Love Fall River, all of whom thanked the students and their families for their participation in the contest.

Rego had glowing things to say of Pellegrino’s efforts.

“She is a champion for those kids and is always working to engage them in new ways and connect them to the community. She’s a local hero in my eyes.”

Prizes were awarded as follows: First prize received a $100 Amazon Gift Card; 2nd place received a $50 Amazon Gift Card; 3rd place received a $25 Amazon Gift Card; and a special Judges Prize awarded a $10 Amazon Gift Card and assorted art supplies. The winners, listed below, were acknowledged at a small ceremony on June 2nd at the Fall River Government Center:

• Elementary School
o 1st Place: Adrianna of Greene School
o 2nd Place: Jorge of Viveiros
o 3rd Place: Saviel of Fonseca
o Judge’s Prize: Mae of Atlantis Charter School

• Middle School
o 1st Place: Selvin of Resiliency Preparatory Academy
o 2nd Place: Kayden of Spencer Borden Elementary
o 3rd Place: Azryel of Connections Academy
o Judge’s Prize: Aliana of Argosy Collegiate Charter Middle School

• High School
o 1st Place: Colin of BMC Durfee High School
o 2nd Place: Lavany of BMC Durfee High School
o 3rd Place: Aubrey of BMC Durfee High School
o Judge’s Prize: Lamyah of Resiliency Preparatory Academy

Entries to the elementary school poster contest were placed in the windows on both the sides of City Hall atrium and QR codes were displayed to allow for on-site, online voting.