Winner in Art on November 8th, 2009
Michael, a senior, is an outstanding scholar and talented artist. He is a National Merit Semifinalist. He holds a 4.84 weighted grade point average, scored 32 on the ACT and 2150 on the SAT. Michael recently submitted a portfolio of his work to the Memphis College of Art and was selected to enroll in their AP Art class for high school students. He uses a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastels, charcoal and spray paint. However, his favorite is a simple pencil or pen. He loves drawing portraits because he thinks people provide more interesting contours and shapes than landscapes or still life. For the last two years, Michael has designed T-shirts for both football and basketball homecomings and the Fall Fest. He also has designed posters for several events and won a campus art award from the Student Council for Best Caricature. His art instructors say that Michael constantly improves, has tremendous technical skill and natural raw talent. He always looks for new creative ways to solve artistic problems and never fails to exceed expectations. Michael is a member of the National Honor Society, the Studio Band, and president of the Student Book Club. He also is a member of the yearbook staff where he does design work. Michael is co-captain of the varsity fencing team and competes in the saber events. He currently is ranked as the No. 2 junior fencer in Tennessee. For his Eagle Scout project for Boys Scouts, Michael designed a rest area for a 911 dispatch center, led fellow Scouts in cleaning up the landscaping area, designed a covered work bench for the area and planted perennials to make the firefighter's work area beautiful. Using his artistic talent in a summer job at Presbyterian Day School, he drew funny pictures for the children to color. He enjoyed the interaction with the children and taught techniques and how to draw pictures. He also taught children at the PDS Rock Band Camp how to play the drums and guitar.
