Each Spring we hold an art contest in which all students at RWHS are eligible to enter and win. All entries must be the original work of the student which is not copied from a published photograph, magazine or book illustration, album cover or any other artwork. If selected as a winner, the student agrees to give the piece to the school's permanent art collection, which is on display in our cafeteria. Each year we choose 3 winners, and each winner receives $50 cash. If the winning piece needs to be framed, we have a local gallery frame it for us before adding it to our collection.

The head of our Art Department is very involved with this project. Since she basically promotes and organizes the entire event, it does not take much time or effort from our Renaissance group. Also, she recruits a couple community members to help with the judging of the art work. It is a great way to involve a department that receives very little recognition, and it allows students to show off their talents. Last year we had 27 students submit a piece for the contest (our school has around 900-950 kids grades 9-12).

We are also in the process of introducing an industrial tech. contest in which students will be able to submit pieces crafted in woods/metals classes. This is another group of kids who often feel disconnected to school. Every year these kids put out amazing projects with little or no recognition for their effort. We are in the process of working out the details with the head of the Industrial Technology Department. This contest will be separate from the art contest already in place.