Ossining’s Roosevelt 5th Graders Excel in NYSATA Project

Five talented 5th-grade students from Ossining School District’s Roosevelt School recently showcased their artistic skills in the prestigious New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) Portfolio Project.

Elyse Lawless, Allison Crespo, Lucy Vecchiarelli, Eleanor Hector, and Elisabeth Kang, have distinguished themselves as shining stars, leaving a lasting impression on both assessors and observers with their exceptional artwork.

These remarkable students are participants in Art Teacher Deirdre Flood’s after-school art club. Under her guidance, they have honed their creative talents and cultivated a deep appreciation for the visual arts. Through this enriching program, Ms. Flood has empowered her students to confidently express themselves through their art, culminating in their impressive performance in the NYSATA Portfolio Project.

"Working with these talented students in the after-school art club has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Ms. Flood. “Each of them brings a unique perspective and creative energy to our sessions, and it's truly gratifying to witness their growth and confidence as artists. I am immensely proud of their accomplishments in the NYSATA Portfolio Project.”

As part of the project, each student crafted insightful statements describing the inspiration behind their creations and engaged in reflective writing, which offered a glimpse into their artistic journey. Additionally, the students met one-on-one with portfolio assessors who evaluated their artwork.

Ms. Flood noted that despite the “intimidating” evaluation process, her students persevered and did remarkably well.

“Even though they all acknowledged feeling intimidated during the one-on-one evaluations, their ability to overcome this challenge speaks volumes about their resilience and determination,” she added.

Kate Mathews, Director of Cultural Arts, commended the students for their performance in navigating through what was “undoubtedly a daunting experience."

I am so proud of our Roosevelt Art program led by Ms. Deirdre Flood, who prepared these outstanding students to showcase their impressive talents," said Ms. Mathews.

This recognition exemplifies the success of Roosevelt's after-school art club. The program serves as a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and grow, while developing a love for art that extends far beyond the classroom.