Devin Hardiman Wins Statewide Visual Arts Competition

Gerstell Academy is proud to announce that fifth-grade student Devin Hardiman has been named the Elementary Visual Arts Winner in the Maryland Foreign Language Association (MFLA) Visual Arts Contest. 

Devin entered the contest last April while in Ms. Patty Lutton’s fourth-grade Spanish class. Under Ms. Lutton’s guidance, the class explored the theme “Why is learning another language so important?” and created original artwork to express their ideas. Devin’s piece was selected, along with four other classmates’ submissions, to represent Gerstell Academy in the statewide competition. 

The contest invited elementary students across Maryland to submit visual interpretations of the theme. Entries were judged on: 

 

Devin’s winning artwork featured a vibrant scene of people holding hands, united by an array of international flags—a powerful symbol of connection through language. His creative approach earned him first place in the State of Maryland. 

Reflecting on his design, Devin shared: 
“Being able to speak different languages brings us together.” 

Gerstell Academy congratulates Devin on this outstanding achievement and celebrates the creativity and global perspective fostered in our language programs.