Massachusetts Career Development Association

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MACDA Entries and Winners for the 58th Annual NCDA Poetry & Art Contest

Art of the Mind: The Connection Between Wellness and Career Success

Background

Participants in the categories below, through the country, were encouraged to use artistic expression to reflect on their personal journey, career goals, and aspirations while promoting well-being, self-awareness, and resilience, which are essential as they progress through their careers.

Primary - grades K-2
Intermediate - grades 3-5
Middle - grades 6-8
Senior - grades 9-12
Adult Student - ages 18 and older, enrolled in school
Open Adult - ages 18 and older, not enrolled in school

Judging Process Criteria

Judging will be based on originality, creativity, and development of the national theme.
Art evaluation will focus on appropriate use of media, lettering, and basic principles of art.

Media Categories

Art 1 (A1): Standard use of ink, pencil, poster paints, magic marker, acrylics, and oils.
Art 2 (A2): Use of photos, clipart, graphic art software, collage, cut and pasted paper, and mixed media.
Size: Each poster must be created in 8.5” x 11” format, including matte, to be eligible.

The winning entries for each division from the various State CDAs will be sent to NCDA for the final judging process later this February.

The top three national winners in each category will be recognized and displayed on the NCDA website in June, as well as at the annual Global Career Development Conference to be held in San Diego, California this June 2024. National winners will also receive a special certificate from the National Career Development Association.

The Map Academy Charter School Entries Submitted to MACDA: www.themapacademy.org

Last November, MACDA was approached via e-mail from Stephanie King, the Wayfinding Specialist working at the Map Academy Charter School, a free alternative high school for all Massachusetts students up to age 24, located in Plymouth, MA.

The Map Academy Charter School was founded on a belief that every student has unique strengths and the ability to succeed, and for some students, the path toward success may take some detours along the way. The Map Academy Charter School offers a chance to get back on the path towards a new vision.

A staff member had discovered the NCDA website announcement about the NCDA Annual Poetry/Art Contest, and Stephanie indicated Shelly Phillips, the Art Teacher, shared that some of her students wanted to submit Art entries for the NCDA National Contest.

Stephanie and Shelly successfully submitted 21 entries from students ranging from 14-19 years and one adult student. Our MACDA judges reviewed all the entries and will be submitting the top three in the Art 1 and Art 2 Categories to NCDA for the National Competition.

Map Academy Student Art Submissions:

Cyrus A., Lilly B., Jess B., Kiara D., Gina D., Elijah E., Basil F., Ashley H., Atlas J., Kali L., Ava K., Adam M., Anthony M., Ava M., Bellamy N. & Christo S., Hillary P., Carley P., Shelly P., Kaylee S., Alex W., Kai W.

Top 3 Winners in Art 1 Category:

#1 Ashley H., age 17: "The Future Is Dog Gone Good"
#2 Ava K., age 18: "Quiet Inspiration Comes To The Night Owl"
#3 Kali L., age 15: "Strength Comes From Within"

Top 3 Winners in Art 2 Category:

#1 Ava M., age 17, "Parts Of A Whole"
#2 Gina D., age 14, "In Tune To Self"
#3 Bellamy N., age 17, & Christo S., age 16, "Real Collaboration"

Congratulations to the top winners and ALL 22 students who submitted their artwork from The Map Academy Charter School and their very supportive staff!