Joy James Academy Earns Top Honors in FWSSR Art Contest; Student Artwork Now on Display
Castleberry ISD is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Joy James Academy of Leadership students in the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) Youth Art Contest.
Under the guidance of art teacher Isabel Rocha, Joy James Academy of Leadership earned top honors in the contest, standing out among more than 2,000 student entries from across Texas to be named Champion of the Elementary School Classroom Division. As a Classroom Division Champion, Joy James Academy received a traveling trophy recognizing the school’s achievement and a $6,000 award to support classroom art supplies, highlighting both the creativity of students and the strength of the visual arts program.
The annual FWSSR Youth Art Contest invites Texas students ages 5 to 18 to submit original works of art that depict or express the culture of Texas and western environments. Participation in the contest reflects a high level of artistic achievement, making this honor a significant accomplishment for Castleberry ISD. This is the first time the district has participated in the contest.
Artwork on Display During the 2026 FWSSR
Community members attending the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, running January 16 – February 7, are encouraged to take time to view student artwork throughout the event.
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Finalist entries, including individual works from the three Joy James Academy of Leadership students who placed, will be displayed in the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall Concourse.
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All remaining submitted student entries, including those from Joy James Academy of Leadership, will be on public display at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History—FWSSR one-day admission tickets are valid for museum entry.
The exhibit showcases a wide variety of artistic styles and media, all centered on Texas traditions, landscapes, wildlife, agriculture, and western heritage.
Student Honorees
The following Joy James Academy of Leadership students submitted individual entries and placed in their respective age-group divisions.
The following students contributed artwork as part of the classroom portfolio submitted by art teacher Isabel Rocha. This classroom portfolio will be exhibited at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History during the run of the FWSSR. Click here to see the online gallery.
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Daniel R. — Grade 5
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Jose V. — Grade 3
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Nathaly M. — Kindergarten
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Mia S. — Grade 5
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Analeah M. — Grade 4
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Floriana S. — Kindergarten
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Catherine I. — Grade 3
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Isabella N. — Grade 3
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Alyanna C. — Kindergarten
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Naomi C. — Kindergarten
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Jaqueline G. — Grade 5
Celebrating Creativity and Excellence
Congratulations to Isabel Rocha and her students on this remarkable achievement. Their creativity, dedication, and hard work earned top recognition in the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Art Contest and reflect the impact of strong instruction and student engagement in the arts.
Families and community members are encouraged to support student artists by viewing the artwork on display while attending the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo this month.