Forney ISD Student Artwork Selected for Governor’s Collection

Forney ISD is proud to announce an exciting update from this year’s State Youth Art Month (YAM) Spring Exhibition. Congratulations to Jennifer Pond of Forney 9th Grade Campus and her student Roselyn Ukadike, whose artwork has received statewide recognition.

Roselyn’s piece, “Paper Quilled Sugar Skull,” was selected to be featured in the 2026 Youth Art Month Gallery. The annual awards ceremony, hosted by Texas Art Education Association, took place on March 29, 2026, at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

We are especially proud to share that Roselyn’s artwork has been chosen for the prestigious Governor’s Collection for 2026–2027. Each year, the First Lady of Texas, Cecilia Abbott, selects a group of outstanding student artworks from the Youth Art Month Spring Exhibition to be displayed in the Governor’s Business Office for one year.

This year, only 14 pieces were selected from approximately 300 entries across both 2D and 3D categories. Among these, two exceptional works will be displayed in the personal offices of Governor Abbott and Mrs. Abbott, making this recognition an extraordinary honor.

All selected artworks are professionally framed by the Youth Art Month program, and the honored student artists, along with their families, teachers, and district representatives, will be invited to attend a private celebration at the Governor’s Mansion this June.

Forney ISD is incredibly proud of Roselyn’s achievement and the dedication of our outstanding fine arts educators who continue to inspire creativity and excellence in our students.