Ms. Diane C. Haylock, the president of NICH presented certificates to seven children from St. Joseph School on Thursday January 26th, 2012. The Certificates were awarded because their work had been selected to be displayed at the 42nd World School Children Art Exhibition Competition held in Taipei, The Republic of China, Taiwan during the months of August and September 2011.

This was indeed a noteworthy occasion as this is the first time that our Belizean children's work was recognized at this particular international competition. In her presentation Ms. Haylock congratulated the efforts of the school in hiring an art teacher; applauded Ms. Fiona Huang, the school’s art teacher on her student’s recognition and reminded educators present of the importance to include the creative arts in the curriculum of each school.

Participation for the 42nd World School Children Exhibition came from over one hundred countries, with over 18,000 works being submitted. “We are indeed very fortunate to have had seven of our children’s work selected to be on display,” shared Ms. Haylock. Among the seven students who were awarded, Katanea Cruz’s work was not only selected to be display but it was also awarded the bronze prize.

In Closing Ms. Haylock presented a package of art supplies from Angelus Press to the school, along with a check for $500 to encourage their continued participation and enhancement of their art program.
Congratulations to St. Joseph School.