Recently the Pocono Council of the Arts hosted its 23rd annual Monroe County Student Art Show at the Artspace Gallery in Stroudsburg. Student artists throughout the area participate in the juried show.

Of the 12 awards given out, Pleasant Valley students took home eight.Best in Show was awarded to senior Devin Kagel for "Dimples" one of her acrylic paintings of her son. Kagel has painted one portrait monthly of her son to commemorate his first year of life.Richard Berwind was awarded a first place in the 2-D category for his self-portrait in charcoal. Kevin Wimmer, who fuses metals with glass, received a first place award in Functional 3-D for his glass and brass sushi set. Emilie Seda, who will be attending fashion school won first place for her 3-D printed/thread sculpture titled "Primary."Also receiving awards were Hailey Majer, who received second place in sculptural 3-D for her piece "Sensory Deprivation." Mary Cerbone tied for third place in 2-D with her oil on canvas painting titled "Kelsey: The Ice Queen."Cerbone, who will be attending West Point, told the school board directors during last week's board of education meeting that art is not a primary part of her life."I am very busy and have a lot going on, especially with leaving for West Point in the next two months," she said. "If it wasn't for this program, for the dedication of Mr. Boudman and the support of the school board I wouldn't have even pursued art. This has been a wonderful experience for me."Cerbone used the honors art program to paint oil paintings of all the people that she loves and will miss when she leaves for West Point.All of the honors program art pieces will be on exhibit during the upcoming academic fair onMonday at the high school. The fair runs from 6-8 p.m.