From the left, 2008 Felt graduate, Jesus Soto, Superintendent Barbalee Blair, and Art Teacher Jackie Myers. Soto was honored Friday night for his placing in a national Artistic Achievment Contest. Soto, placed in the top 50 among 20,000 entries. He entered a pencil sketch of the original front doors of the Felt School. He received a check for $50 and a framed copy of the art. The school will also hang a copy. Stamps and postcards of the art are for sale.
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by Jocelyn Murrary
ArtStamps, a school fundraising company that turns student artwork into U.S. postage, announced the winners of its 2008 National Artistic Achievement Awards, which promote student creativity. ArtStamps honored 50 students throughout the nation in five age categories for their originality and creativity.
In the ages 16-18 category, Jesus Soto of Felt High School in Felt, Oklahoma received the Runner Up Award and a cash prize of $50.
“Students should be encouraged to continually grow their artistic talents,” said George A. Castineiras, founder and CEO of ArtStamps. “We’re pleased to recognize the artwork submitted by the winning students which is truly remarkable.”
ArtStamps developed the National Achievement Award to promote creativity in schools. The company’s mission is to support the inherent creativity of youth by allowing them to experience school fundraising in a unique and extraordinary way. ArtStamps converts student art created in the classroom into US postage, which is then sold by students to support their schools. 
In order to be considered for the National Artistic Achievement Award, student art submissions had to be converted into U.S. postage, note cards or other products through ArtStamps. First place award winners in each age group receive $500. To participate in the ArtStamps program and be eligible for next year’s award, visit http://www.myspiritstamps.com/felt/or call (877) 4 A STAMP.
This award is designed to remind students, parents, teachers, and school administrators that creativity is important to every child’s education. The ArtStamps program is available to schools, school districts, educators, parents, parent/teacher organizations, and other groups across the U.S.
About ArtStamps
Based in Farmington, Connecticut, ArtStamps, LLC is a privately held company that believes in supporting the inherent creativity of youth by allowing them to experience school fundraising in unique and extraordinary way.
