GGUSD’s 47th First Impressions Art Exhibit Highlights Students’ Artistic Skills

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) hosted its 47th annual First Impressions Art Exhibit to celebrate the artistic skills of hundreds of students from all grade levels from preschool to high school. Awards were presented to students in front of a packed room of parents, staff, and community members at the Garden Grove Community Center on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein presented McGarvin Intermediate School student Lauren Tran, with the Mayor’s Award for her multimedia piece called “Tropical Tiger.”

GGUSD Board of Education President Lan Nguyen presented Patton Elementary School student Ian Jeong with the President of the School Board Award for his piece titled “Hungry Fish”

Dr. Gabriela Mafi presented Santiago High School Multimedia Advanced Honor students with the Superintendent’s Award for their piece “Paraiso en el Cementerio.”

"The First Impressions Art Exhibit never fails to amaze, as it highlights the incredible talent and skill of our students," said Teri Rocco, Board of Education Trustee. "As a Board, we've made a strong commitment to our dynamic Visual and Performing Arts program because of the profound impact these experiences have on our students. We are proud to recognize our outstanding teachers who inspire and guide our young artists, helping them unlock their full potential and elevate their craft."

Other awards presented to students included PK-6 Best in Show presented to Jonathan Navarro of Brookhurst Elementary School for his piece “1942 Chevrolet”; 7-8 Best in Show to Ralston Intermediate School student Angela Lee for her piece “Silenced Resilience”; and the 9-12 Best in Show award went to Yer Moua, of Los Amigos High School, for her piece called “Noodle Nest.”

La Quinta High School senior Wren Escalante Hua’s piece titled “Avian Royalty” was chosen for the program cover. Warren Elementary School Student Rachel Peiris received an award for the State of the District Program cover contest with her piece called “Appreciate GGUSD.”

Garden Grove Board of Education President Lan Nguyen, Trustee Teri Rocco, Trustee Walter Muneton, Superintendent Gabriela Mafi, California Assemblyman Tri Ta, Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein, Garden Grove City Councilmember Cindy Ngoc Tran, Garden Grove City Councilmember Yesenia Muneton, and Garden Grove City Councilmember Phillip Nguyen attended to present awards and congratulate students on their artistic accomplishments. Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Lisa Swartz, Assistant Superintendent of K-12 Educational Services Dr. Lorena Sanchez, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Tahnee Phan, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services Jason Bevacqua, and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services Dr. Steve Yoon attended to congratulate students and show their support.

The community is invited to view the artwork gallery at The Courtyard Center on Village Green, 12372 Main Street, Garden Grove on Monday, March 10 through Thursday, March 13 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. GGUSD Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts Stacy Harris and Teacher on Special Assignment Matt Franklin organized the district art show.

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