This past week, Coronado’s own Diana Del Valle won the award for Best in Show at the Air Academy Federal Credit Union Scholarship Exhibition! Her oil impressionist painting titled “Lacrosse” was just one of Coronado’s ten pieces of art that won awards at the show.

Coronado has a long history of excellence at the show, which attracts student-artists from around the Springs. Coronado students’ pieces vie for awards given by grade level, as well as the Best in Show award given to only one artist in the exhibit. The Best in Show award has gone to a Coronado four out of the last five years, including graduated students like Cierra Redding, Olivia Stenhom, and Genesis Cervantez. This year, Coronado picked up a shocking 10 awards- two for each grade level, 2D and 3D- and over $2,000 in scholarships.

Even with Coronado’s successful history at the exhibition, winning this award was not something that Diana imagined going into the show. She felt “really really surprised” that she won, as “there were a lot of really nice pieces,” and felt it to be a great honor that she was chosen among all of the superb artists showcased.

Diana is especially interested in painting nature scenes, as they provide ample opportunities for intricate details. Ms. Foos, Diana’s art teacher, believes that her eye for “subtle detail” and perfectionist attitude has helped her blossom as an artist, and that her “sophisticated use of media and a beautiful sense of light in color” was deserving of the honor of Best in Show.

Looking into the future, Diana does not have any strict plans in regards to art, but she will continue to explore her creativity and enjoy the process of art. Whatever Diana decides to pursue moving forward, her tenacity and thoughtfullness are sure to lead her to a bright destination.