Local Community Center Youth Win International Painting Contest

Published on February 10, 2023

Garden-themed contest hosted by Sister City - Suzhou, China 

SAN ANTONIO (February 10, 2023) – The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the winners of the Suzhou International Youth Painting Contest. Children participating in the Parks and Recreation Department’s community center programming submitted art inspired by San Antonio’s parks, landscape, gardens, and architecture for the international contest.  

Nine paintings created by San Antonio youth were selected for first, second, and third prizes. Nine additional paintings received honorable merits. Paintings will be on exhibit and award certificates will be presented to the children at a ceremony on Friday, February 10 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Normoyle Community Center.  

The painting contest was hosted by San Antonio’s international Sister City in Suzhou, China, in coordination with the Suzhou Foreign Affairs Office and the Suzhou Federation of Literary and Art Circles. Select artwork will be displayed in Suzhou, China’s library, subway art space, Foreign Affairs Office, and will be featured in souvenirs to friends of Suzhou around the world. 

First Prize 

Xoraya Zaqtan (Age 10) - Garrett Community Center 

Second Prizes 

• Abigail Ratliff (Age 11) - Melendrez Community Center 
• Hina Cruz (Age 8) - Melendrez Community Center 
• Zamaya Perez (Age 8) Miller’s Pond Community Center 
• EvaLisa Cruz (Age 8) - San Juan Community Center 
• Haley Flores (Age 7) - San Juan Community Center 
• Isaiah Apolinar (Age 10) - Normoyle Community Center 
• Jaylnn Flores (Age 10) - Normoyle Community Center 
• Jose Ramos (Age 10) - San Juan Community Center 

Third Prizes 

• EvaLisa Cruz (Age 8) - San Juan Community Center 
• Haley Flores (Age 7) - San Juan Community Center 
• Isaiah Apolinar (Age 10) Normoyle Community Center 
• JayInn Flores (Age 10) - Normoyle Community Center 
• Jose Ramos (Age 9) - San Juan Community Center 

Honorable Merit Prizes 

Amina Guerra (Age 9), Caleb Romo (Age 7), Haley Flores (Age 7), Harley Torrez (Age 8), Jesus Apolinar (Age 12), Jose Ramos (Age 7), Madeline Garza (Age 6), Rosalie Lambur (Age 10), and Rudy Romo (Age 9)