Holiday Card Contest

Artist: Mallory Adams, 12th Grader at YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary

Artwork Name: "The Holiday Moments We Share"

Inspiration behind art: "The inspiration behind this artwork is to show that during the Christmas holiday season, there is always someone willing to appreciate the people around them by going to buy gifts in order to show their love for them."

What YES Prep means to me: "YES Prep means to me that youth are challenged academically as well as having a sense of community and making each other feel at home."

Click here to read more about Mallory!

Artist: Marianne Pinto, 7th Grader at YES Prep Southside Secondary

Artwork Name: "Candy Wonderland"

Inspiration behind art: "I was inspired by Alice in Wonderland, but I wanted to create a holiday version."

What YES Prep means to me: "YES Prep means opportunity. I am happy to go to a school that puts me on track to go to college right out of high school."

Artist: Nayeli Linares, 11th Grader at YES Prep Southeast Secondary

Artwork Name: "Holiday Warmth"

Inspiration behind art: "One of my major inspirations was the way that holidays make you feel the certain warmth, such as the love from reuniting with family and seeing all the positivity being spread around. I included books as a way to add something abstract and to symbolize the many opportunities that YES Prep offers!"

What YES Prep means to me: "YES Prep has been a way for me to feel connected not just to my peers but to the amazing teachers as well. I love the way we celebrate different cultures and the help we get when applying for colleges. That's one of the reasons why I attended YES Prep and it is why I'll always feel connected to the YES Prep spirit even after graduating."

Artist: Erick Nolasco, 6th Grader at YES Prep Gulfton Secondary

Artwork Name: "Snowmen Dancing"

Inspiration behind art: "My inspiration for this artwork was snowmen. I like to build them when it snows!"

What YES Prep means to me: "To me, YES Prep means having the opportunity to be better."

Artist: Ahmed Montero-Rivera, 10th Grader at YES Prep Hobby Secondary

Artwork Name: "Sunglasses Santa"

Inspiration behind art: "I was inspired by old illustrations of Christmas and Santa."

What YES Prep means to me: "YES Prep is complex and diverse. It's great and different!"

Artist: Nathaly Rosas, 11th Grader at YES Prep Southeast Secondary

Artwork Name: "Winter Card"

Inspiration behind art: "The inspiration behind my art was cartoons, specifically shows like Spongebob Squarepants or The Powerpuff Girls. They use geometric shapes for the characters, giving the audience a more enthusiastic feeling."

What YES Prep means to me: "I have been attending YES Prep since 6th grade. I think this place has given me so many memories. It would be hard to see myself in any other school. It's a place where people can grow with each other."

Artist: Melly Arenas, 9th Grader at YES Prep Northline Secondary

Artwork Name: "Joyful Snowman in Downtown"

Inspiration behind art: "My inspiration behind this art is my love for building a snowman and the warmth my heart feels for the holiday spirit/mood. I decided to merge these to create a meaningful artwork to me, and hopefully to others."

What YES Prep means to me: "To me, YES Prep is a safe environment where I can freely express myself. Regardless of my gender, race, ethnicity, and identity, I am fully accepted and supported. YES Prep is where all students can feel secure."

Artist: Yosalin Ramos, 9th Grader at YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary

Artwork Name: "Selfie with a Side of Penguin"

Inspiration behind art: "My inspiration was a penguin from the Madagascar movies, but I chose something to make it stand out and more realistic."

What YES Prep means to me: "To me, YES Prep means a step towards equality for all who need it."

Artist: Yuli Chang, 10th Grader at YES Prep Brays Oaks Secondary

Artwork Name: "Winter Fun and Friends"

Inspiration behind art: "I was inspired by winter activities, friends, and people I see every day."

What YES Prep means to me: "YES Prep is a school that pushes one to pursue further education, which is what my family wants."

Artist: Darlyn Orellana, 7th Grader at YES Prep Gulfton Secondary

Artwork Name: "A Puppy for the Holidays"

Inspiration behind art: "I was inspired by my dog that I got one year as a Christmas present."

What YES Prep means to me: "YES Prep is my school and it means a lot to me because it's where I plan to graduate high school."

Artist: Atziry Flores, 7th Grader at YES Prep Southeast Secondary

Artwork Name: "Seasons of Love"

Inspiration behind art: "I think that the December holidays are adorable and loving, so the tree reminds me to always love since I love someone right now! My favorite park of this artwork was creating the tree."

What YES Prep means to me: "YES Prep has taught me to always be prepared, even for the small things. That's why I never try to create small artwork without small paintbrushes!"