Where creativity flourishes

By Susan Lee
Staff Writer

People around the world have initiated countless AIDS awareness projects, from marathons to presentations, in an effort to combat the deadly disease. At Hercules High School, art students are helping the cause by spreading understanding of the deadly condition through their creativity.
This year, 10 HHS students participated in the second annual "Don't Turn Your Back on AIDS" art contest held by the Flowers Heritage Foundation. All Bay Area high school student artists were able to promote AIDS awareness by expressing themselves through works of photography, mixed media, sculpture, paint, pen or pencil.

A total of 240 entries were received from 15 Bay Area schools by the competition deadline of Nov. 12.

"The contest was very helpful in involving students in the cause to help spread awareness," said contestant Kimberly Igno. "I was amazed by the effort put into the artwork of all the students."
Of the 10 HHS participants, four students won scholarship awards. Junior Igno was honored with an impressive Best of Show and a $1000 scholarship. Senior Jennifer Valeros and freshman Amethyst Leon were recognized with Honorable Mentions and $250. In addition, Kathleen Murillo, a winner from last year, also received Honorable Mention and $250.

The HHS Art Department received matching funds amounting to $1750 from the foundation for the winning submissions.

Winning artists were notified Nov. 21 and attended an award reception Dec. 1. The winners' art pieces were auctioned off the same night to raise funds to support Flowers Heritage Foundation AIDS health programs.

"I am extremely proud of everyone," said Charlene Gordon, HHS art teacher. "Students were really able to express themselves through their art, and it was gratifying to see the results of their work."
HHS first participated in the "Don't Turn Your Back on AIDS" competition last year. Of the 162 contestants, senior Edward Gomez took second place, while Murillo and Nguyen Le won Honorable Mention.

For more information, additional photos, and the actual copies of the artwork displayed by Hercules High students at the competition, visit flower