Two Garland artists were featured simultaneously during the I've Got Energy Texas PTA award ceremonies in Austin last Saturday. On the left, Shae Athas was recognized with an Award of Merit in Print Advertising and Ben Ballard received an Award of Excellence for Photography. Both reside in District 1.

 
A number of students from Garland were recently notified that they were being recognized by the Texas PTA for last year's Environmental Awareness Program themed I've Got Energy. The awards ceremony was Saturday at the Blanton Museum of Art on The University of Texas campus in Austin. A complete list of winners is here .
 
Three ceremonies for different grade levels were necessary to recognize all the students and relatives that made the trip. Awards were also presented for last year's Reflections participants. Numerous Garland students joined students from across the state at the ceremonies, including several from District 1.
 
The red recycling containers from Garland's Environmental Waste program were featured by several artists.
 

Artists and families were given free admission to the Blanton Museum of Art. Above is the atrium and a specially commissioned exhibit for the Blanton, Stacked Waters. Obviously enjoying the museum are Tom Jeffcoat, Shae Athas (maybe enjoying too much?), and Mathew Jeffcoat, who won an Award of Excellence in Video for his Dominoes video, starring over 2000 dominoes.

 
Congratulations to all the artists that were recognized and thanks for bringing attention to the City of Garland's efforts to be environmentally friendly. I'm sure Lonnie Banks, director of environmental services, very much appreciates that these artists are so environmentally aware. I want to also recognize him and his department's efforts that have set such a noticeable standard.