Whiz Kids: Sacred Heart Students Earn Art Awards

Name: Henry Bierman, Julia Kirby and Elisa Sikora

Age: 13, 13 and 9

School:

Accomplishment: The three students–Bierman and Kirby are in the eighth grade and Sikora is in the fourth–received awards for creativity in an art contest organized and judged by members of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, or PIME. The mission is headquartered in Detroit. The contest was organized by the Archdiocese of Detroit.

This year’s theme for the contest was to create a depiction of Fr. Clement Vismara, who from 1923 to 1988 carried out missions with a special interest in helping children in what is now known as Myanmar. Vismara was beatified in the Catholic Church in June; PIME held a celebration Oct. 23 at its headquarters which also included an awards ceremony for the young artists.

Bierman, who took home the first place award in the middle school division, said he was stunned to hear his name called.

“I don’t often draw people,” said Bierman. “But it was an honor to win because the contest was judged by many priests and deacons, and the person we drew did so many good things. But I was really surprised.”

Key to awesomeness: The first step in creating their award winning works began during an after-school at program at Sacred Heart. Art teacher Kari Guido provided the students with a photo of Vismara to work from.

Kirby, who took home a second place award, said the contest was a lot of fun, and that artists were given freedom in terms of how to depict Vismara.

“I chose to draw a portrait,” she said.

Sikora, who won a second-place award in the elementary school designation, also chose the portrait route, but for her, this was a first-of-its-kind opportunity.

“I’ve never drawn a portrait before; I usually draw horses,” she said.

All of the students chose to use a pencil for their pieces, but Sikora used colored pencils for her drawing.

Melissa Lambrecht, the principal of Sacred Heart, said she was proud of the talent her students displayed at PIME.

“We took home three awards, which was great,” she said.

Both Bierman and Kirby said their favorite classes are at and English, and Sikora said she likes art and learning how to use the library. All are avid artists that plan on continuing to cultivate their talent.

Bierman received a $50 prize, and Kirby and Sikora received $25. The school also received funds.

Know of a student who is doing great things–inside or out of the classroom? Email your Whiz Kid nominations to Editor Jessica Carreras at jessica.carreras@patch.com. Please include the name, age, school, achievement and key to awesomeness, as well as a photo. Then come back every week for our Whiz Kid spotlight. You never know who may be smiling at you from the computer screen.