LHS Artist, Musician Tops In Rotary Contest

Liz McIlwee's award-winning painting, "Naturally Bright."

Student artists and musicians from Lakewood High school had an impressive showing once again in the 69th annual Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club Music, Speech and Visual Arts Contest, sponsored by the Beck Center. Senior Liz McIlwee captured first place for her oil painting in the Visual Arts category and senior cellist Daniel Toner won the top prize in the Music category.

The Music category was dominated by LHS students. Besides Toner’s winning piece, which earned him $500, senior Max Mulready captured second place and $350 for his piano performance and senior Irina Vatamanu was awarded fourth place and $250 for her performance on the harp. McIlwee was awarded $500 for her first-place artwork, “Naturally Bright,” a close-up of ears of corn.

This longstanding Rotary contest welcomes the best high school students from Lakewood and Rocky River as they demonstrate excellence in the areas of music, speech and the visual arts. Participants come from one of the five Lakewood and Rocky River high schools: Lakewood High, Rocky River High, St. Edward’s, Magnificat and Lutheran West.

Nearly 60 of the visual arts entries, including the award winners and many from Lakewood High artists, are on display at the Beck Center through April. The entries include ceramic pieces, oil paintings, mixed media, pencil and charcoal drawings among others. The award winners were recognized in a ceremony April 7 at the Beck Center. 

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Volume 10, Issue 8, Posted 2:37 PM, 04.15.2014