Annual Student Art Contest
Eighth Annual Student Art Contest
We excited to announce the winners of this year’s Student Art Contest sponsored by the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.
Eleven finalists were selected from over 300 student submissions from across Wisconsin. The contest theme was “all things Wisconsin”.
From the eleven finalists, one was be selected to receive the “Loeymae Lange Memorial Best in Class” award. The “Best in Class” award is named in memory of Loeymae Lange, who taught art at Cooper Elementary school in Burlington, Wisconsin, for 30 years. Her brother, Dr. Paul Lange, and his wife June have graciously honored Loeymae’s legacy and love for art by providing this memorial gift to the WEA Member Benefits Foundation, Inc.
The 2023 finalists are:
- Kenslee Gill, Albany, 1st grade
- Jaylene Gomez, Milwaukee, 3rd grade
- Millicent Vieau, Columbus, 4th grade
- Arianna Kurta, Racine, 7th grade
- Samantha MacRogers, West Salem, 8th grade
- Margot Mohsen, Shorewood, 9th grade
- Jayden Hinrichs, Bloomer, 10th grade
- Luella Long, Wausau West High School, 11th grade
- Wyatt Podgorski, DC Everest, 11th grade
- Annika Esselstrom, Belleville, 12th grade
- Drew Coubal, Bloomer, 12th grade
Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated!
Loeymae Lange Memorial Best in Class Award
In honor of Loeymae who taught art at Cooper Elementary School in Burlington, Wisconsin for 30 years.
Loeymae was known for her paintings using watercolors, oil, and acrylics, and for her marble sculptures. She won art competitions from California to Paris, and her artwork is on display in homes throughout the United States. Additionally, later in life she became a professional photographer, particularly of clouds.
Loeymae was a strong advocate of the values of arduous work and perseverance. She worked hard to instill these values in her students. She promoted and encouraged her most talented students to participate in art competitions because it built the student’s self-esteem not just as an artist but as a member of our society.
To honor Loeymae’s legacy, her brother Dr. Paul Lange, and his wife June, graciously started an endowment in 2021 to help promote recognition and positive self-esteem for student artists.
“Try, you might succeed. If you don’t try it’s impossible to succeed!” – Loeymae Lange
