River Parishes Hospital held its annual Young At Art Reception for those students who were selected as monthly winners between the months of December 2009 and November 2010. Monthly winners and their families were invited to attend the reception. Upon entering the reception, attendees were able to admire the array of local talent in the area as they students’ pictures, which were on display around the room.

Tammy Waltz, Community Relations Coordinator, welcomed all of the students and their families and thanked them for taking time our of their busy holiday schedules to help in recognizing our young artists. “We started this program in 2001 because we wanted to invite the community to visit the hospital on a happy occasion,” said Waltz. “This has been a wonderful program for the hospital as well as the River Parishes community as we have teachers calling well in advance to ensure a spot for their students to feature their artwork.”

She went on to explain about the program. Each month two classes are featured on the hospital’s Wall of Art. Three winners are then selected to win $50 savings bonds compliments of Capital One Bank. At the end of the year, all monthly winners and their families are invited to a reception at which time three overall winners are selected, each receiving an additional savings bond.

“I enjoy being able to meet the students and give them an opportunity to have their drawings displayed for the community,” said Waltz. “I often have people stop to admire the pictures when they see me changing the artwork each month. It’s amazing to see how much local talent we have right here in the River Parishes.”

Each monthly winner was recognized and given an engraved frame to display his or her art work at home. Then, the overall winners were announced. Emalee Swisshelm, a student at Albert Cammon Middle School, was selected as the first place winner. She received a first place ribbon and a $150 savings bond. Second place went to Sarah Taylor, a student at New Sarpy Elementary School. She received a second place ribbon and a $100 savings bond. Third place went to Caroline Cannon, a student at St. Charles Borromeo School, who received a third place ribbon and a $50 savings bond.

Students grade Pre-K through 6th grade are eligible to participate in their program. For more information about the program or to schedule a month, call the hospital’s Marketing Department at 985-653-4247.