Mariner student Olivia Burkentine wins first place in DSEA art contest

Mariner Middle School seventh-grader Olivia Burkentine was awarded first place in the Student Art Contest at the Delaware State Education Association Human and Civil Rights Awards Ceremony held May 15 in Dover.

The ceremony honors Delawareans each year for outstanding contributions and achievements in the areas of human and civil rights. In addition, student submissions are recognized in writing, art and technology categories. Their submissions are required to focus on the importance of diversity and its impact on American society.

The theme for this year’s art exhibition was Bridging the Divide. Students participating in the art contest category were able to submit one original piece in the following categories: photography, mixed media, painting, textile and fiber, computer-generated art, sculpture, jewelry and metalwork, or drawing.

Olivia’s painting earned her the top award from judges who looked for relevancy, creativity and accuracy.