Seventh-grader wins prize Thurston Middle School seventh-grader...

Seventh-grader wins prize

Thurston Middle School seventh-grader Riley Westgaard won a

first-place ribbon and $500 in art supplies for her school in the

“Draw Your Own Spirit” contest in Westwood on March 2.

Twelve-year-old Riley’s winning drawing was judged on originality,

creativity, artistic motif, use of color and overall spirit. She won

$100 in art supplies for herself.

The contest was held at a special screening of DreamWorks

Animation’s “Spirit” movie at the Mann Bruin Theatre. Inspired by her

love of horses, Riley worked for two days on her drawing, finishing

the Sunday morning before the submittal deadline. She was accompanied

at the screening and contest by her mother, Gretchen.

-- Mike Swanson