Sussex Academy student vying for national honors

After winning first place in the county and state, Sussex Academy fifth grader Nohely Ramirez-Merida is now vying for national honors in the National Association of Conservation Districts annual poster, photo and digital poster contest.

Open to students in public, private and home-school settings, the competition gives students the opportunity to have their artwork displayed nationally while highlighting conservation district efforts.

After learning about leaves and decomposers in her environmental science class, Nohely created a colored-pencil drawing illustrating the importance of trees that aligned with the contest theme “May the Forest be with you Always.” 

Nohely’s artwork rose to the top in the fourth through sixth grade division competitions, and is now up for consideration for the national prize, which will be announced at the NACD annual meeting in February.

“Nohely is a truly gifted artist,” said Dean of Elementary Campus Connie Hendricks. “Her success reflects her effort, creativity, and the strong foundation in environmental science and arts education that we provide at Sussex Academy. We’re thrilled to see her excel and wish her the best at the national competition.”

A Georgetown resident, Nohely said she was very surprised to win the awards. In her spare time, she enjoys art and watching TV.

Sussex Academy’s mission is to foster academic achievement and social responsibility in a small school environment where students participate in a highly accelerated college preparatory program that prepares them for the technological and global mindedness needed for the 21st century and that instills ethical conduct and service to others in their day-to-day lives.