GGUSD Celebrates Students’ Skills in 48th annual Art Exhibit

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) hosted its 48th annual First Impressions Art Student Exhibit and Awards on Saturday, March 7, 2026, showcasing the artistic achievements of hundreds of students from preschool through high school. The ceremony, held at the Garden Grove Community Center, featured awards presented in front of a packed audience of parents, staff, and community members.

Student artists were recognized for the over 600 pieces of artwork selected for this year's exhibit and special awards were presented to the following students:

Jaden Hoang, Allen Elementary – PreK-6 Best in Show for his pastel oil “Ghosts in the Graveyard.”
Lauren Tran, McGarvin Intermediate – 7-8 Best in Show for her colored pencil work “GGUSD Lunar New Year.”
Ariana Orozco, Los Amigos High School – 9-12 Best in Show for her acrylic painting “Dandelion.”
Franchesca Sta. Maria, La Quinta High School – Mayor’s Award for her acrylic painting “Unsent.”
Chloe Hoang, Sunnyside Elementary – President of the School Board Award for her watercolor “Spots.”
Honey Castro, Santiago High School – Superintendent’s Award for her charcoal piece “Decisive.”
Rogue Marquez, Garden Grove High School – poster “Uranium” chosen for the First Impressions program cover.
Emily Annette Morales Arroyo, La Quinta High School – “A Bright Future” selected for the 2026 State of the District program cover.

“The First Impressions Art Exhibit never fails to amaze us with the artistic skills and creativity of our students,” said Board of Education Trustee Teri Rocco. “Our commitment to a strong Visual and Performing Arts program gives students opportunities to explore their creativity and develop valuable skills, and we are grateful to our dedicated teachers who inspire and guide them every step of the way.”

The celebration included special guests including Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein, Garden Grove City Councilmembers Phillip Nguyen and Cindy Ngoc Tran, Superintendent Gabriela Mafi, and the district’s Assistant Superintendents, all congratulating the students for their achievements.

The community is invited to view the artwork at The Courtyard on Village Green, 12372 Main Street, Garden Grove. The gallery will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 9 through Thursday, March 12. GGUSD Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts Stacy Harris and Teacher on Special Assignment Matt Franklin organized the show.