Story by: Nancy Bonds, GCCISD Director of Communications
Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) proudly recognized the outstanding accomplishments of
its student artists during the 2026 Rodeo Art Reception, celebrating those who earned
distinction in the highly regarded Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art
Competition.
The annual event showcased the creativity, technical skill, and dedication of student
artists from across the district. Families, teachers, district staff, and community
members gathered to honor the many students whose artwork advanced through
campus and district judging to represent GCCISD at one of the nation's largest student
art competitions.
Dr. Ray Lavan, Director of Fine Arts, emphasized the impact of visual arts education
and the pride felt across the district. “Our Rodeo Art Reception is an opportunity to
celebrate the remarkable talent of our students and the educators who inspire them
each day. Visual arts programs provide students with powerful avenues for creativity,
expression, and personal growth, and we are proud to see their work recognized at
such a prestigious level.”
Leslie Castillo, 12th Grade Lee student and Gold Medal winner. Photo By Carrie Pryor-Newman
The program recognized students across multiple award categories, with blue, red, and
white ribbons honoring district-level winners and teal ribbons identifying finalists
advancing to the next round of judging at NRG Center. Top distinctions included Gold
Medal, Best in Show, and Special Merit awards, with select artwork displayed in the
Hayloft Gallery at NRG.
Pictured, from left, Jim Campisi, GCCISD School Board President; Annie Watson, Sterling art teacher; Joe Rodriguez, GCCISD Superintendent; Mattie Dotson, 12th Grade Sterling student and Best of Show winner; and Matt Flood, Assistant Superintendent of Technology. Photo By Carrie Pryor-Newman
Among those honors, senior Mattie Dotson earned GCCISD’s High School Best of
Show for her piece, The Lost Cow, which was also selected for the Houston Livestock
Show and Rodeo School Art Auction. Her artwork will be auctioned on March 15, 2026,
with a portion of the proceeds supporting her education next year. This recognition is
one of the highest in the competition and reflects the exceptional talent of GCCISD
student artists.
Highlights from the 2026 Rodeo Art Awards
Director’s Choice Award Winners
- High School: Trinitee Fredrick, 11th grade, Sterling (Teacher: Brandie Barriga)
- Junior School: Carissa Gaines, 8th Grade, Horace Mann (Teacher: Josh
Crowhurst)
- Elementary: Lunzibeth Ortiz Ibarra, 2nd grade, Alamo (Teacher: Emory Atilano)
Superintendent’s Choice Award Winners
- High School: Allysa Gonzalez,12th Grade, Sterling (Teacher: Annie Watson)
- Junior School: Aaleya Castillo, 8th grade, E.F. Green (Teacher: Rachel Deleon)
- Elementary: Victoria Alatorre, 5th grade, Austin Elementary (Teacher: Tristen
Brunson)
Gold Medal Winners
- High School: Leslie Castillo, 12th Grade, Lee (Teacher: Canace Ferguson) and Iyana Johnson, 12th Grade, Sterling (Teacher: Brandie Barriga)
- Junior School: Carla Benavides, 8th Grade, E.F. Green (Teacher: Rachel Deleon)
- Elementary: Kaylee Ramos, 5th Grade, Carver (Teacher: Harry Barber)
Best of Show Winners
- High School: Mattie Dotson, 12th Grade, Sterling (Teacher: Annie Watson)
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Junior School: Jax Husband, 8th Grade, Gentry (Teacher: Jennifer Martin)
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Elementary: Josiah Smith, 2nd Grade, Clark (Teacher: Viridiana Navarro)
Special Merit Winners
- High School: Jackeline Carpio, 11th Grade, Lee (Teacher: Melissa Rangel)
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High School: Suzanne Gonzalez, 10th Grade, GCM (Teacher: Johnna Morris)
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High School: Nayeli Perez, 12th Grade, Sterling (Teacher: Annie Watson)
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High School: Kennedy Williams, 10th Grade, Lee (Teacher: Melissa Rangel)
- Junior School: Aneah Cuevas, 7th Grade, Horace Mann (Teacher: Josh
Crowhurst)