Glendale Elementary School fifth-grader Kaelyn Shannon went to the second biannual Student Artwork Exhibition hosted by First Lady Yumi Hogan Friday night as one of four county representatives of the artistic talent that exists in Anne Arundel 
County Public Schools. She left as the state elementary school winner of a Governor’s Citation for her piece.
Kaelyn’s artwork – along with that of students from 20 of the state’s 24 school systems – is now on display in the Gallery Space of the House of Delegates building in Annapolis.
“I was really surprised,” Kaelyn said of the award. “When they called my name, I was shocked that I won because after viewing all the other art pieces, I felt the others were just as awesome. Knowing that my artwork received top honor was a huge surprise, but I loved it.”
Inspired by the work of one of her favorite artists, Vincent Van Gogh, Kaelyn used oil pastels to create the pattern style of the leaf. She also wanted to use vibrant colors to convey a positive feel. The piece took about four hours to complete.
It is an honor and privilege to have worked with such a devoted and hardworking student as Kaelyn,” Glendale Elementary art teacher Linda Murphy said. “I feel inspired to continue to work hard towards guiding my students to reach their fullest potential.”
“I am thrilled for Kaelyn because she is someone who has that gift of translating thought to incredible visual representation,” Glendale Elementary School Principal Kristy Snyder said. “It is a joy to 
see how she uses her talent to bring her artwork to life.”