East Islip High School junior Jason Portillo Brizuela recently received an honorable mention in the New York State Youth Art Month Flag Design Contest, sponsored by the New York State Art Teachers Association. Youth Art Month is observed by NYSATA each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. For this year’s contest theme, “Healing through Color,” 2,440 designs were submitted, including Portillo Brizuela’s “Hands of Healing.”

“It was an honor to receive an honorable mention for my design,” Portillo Brizuela said.

“I am so proud of Jason,” teacher Heather Toomey said. “He is enrolled in my Digital Imaging and Design 2 course this year, and I can count on him for high quality digital designs. Jason is not only an artistic student, but a member of our National Art Honor Society, and I could not be more proud.”

The winning and honorable mention designs can be viewed here.