(Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Press Release, May 1, 2026)
A third-grade learner from Tyhee Elementary has been named Best in Show in the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 America Through the Eyes of Our Learners Fine Arts Exhibition, celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Nabuiginnah “Naboo” Madzeweyu Yellowjohn earned the top honor for his piece, The Land Hears Me, selected from nearly 250 student submissions representing learners across the district. In addition to his drawing, Naboo—who is a fourth-generation Native American flute player—submitted a video of himself performing a musical selection on the flute to accompany his work.
“My drawing shows the mountain behind my house,” Naboo shared in his submission. “I made it because my parents told me to try, and when I draw or play music, it helps me feel better. This picture shows where I live and how the land around me feels calm and strong.”
The exhibition, held during the Historic Downtown Pocatello First Friday Art Walk at Gate City Coffee, showcased student creativity and perspective through visual art, written works, and multi-media pieces. The event invited the community to experience how learners interpret what America means to them, creating a meaningful connection between education, expression, and this historic national milestone.
“This event is about more than art—it’s about giving our learners a voice,” said Courtney Fisher, Director of Communications, Community Relations and Education Foundation. “Through their work, our learners share their perspectives, creativity, and what America means to them during this once-in-a-generation milestone. Opportunities like this help learners engage with our nation’s history, values, and ideals in meaningful ways, and we are proud to showcase that with our community.”
Awards were presented across multiple categories and grade levels, with more than $3,000 in prize funding provided through the generous support of the School District 25 Education Foundation.
Best in Show
Nabuiginnah “Naboo” Madzeweyu Yellowjohn, 3rd Grade, Tyhee Elementary School — The Land Hears Me
Visual Arts
High School
1st Place: Kamry Curtis, Century High School — Ripples in a Dream
2nd Place: Michelle Krumenacker, Century High School — A Rhythm for the Restless
3rd Place: Samantha Riecks, Highland High School — Liberty’s Harbor
Honorable Mention: Anesa Bills, Pocatello High School — Laissez Faire
Honorable Mention: Harrison Arnold, Highland High School — Through it All, the Flag Still Stands
Middle School
1st Place: Olavi Aho, Franklin Middle School — 250
2nd Place: Aubrey Buffalo, Franklin Middle School — Our Shared Flame
3rd Place: Rowan Dallon, Franklin Middle School — From the Rockies
Honorable Mention: Syan Hooper, Hawthorne Middle School — The Beautiful Lies and the Harsh Reality
Honorable Mention: Sadie Johnson & Kalista Gibbson, Irving Middle School — Untitled
Elementary School
1st Place: Ralston Tharp, Gate City Elementary
2nd Place: Skye Anderson, Gate City Elementary
3rd Place: Solomon Ryu, Gate City Elementary
Honorable Mention: Eli Haney, Syringa Elementary
Honorable Mention: Ginelly Ferreyra, Syringa Elementary
Written Arts
High School
1st Place: Sasha Ivers, Pocatello High School
2nd Place: Mara Hoskins, Century High School
3rd Place: Sarah Ivers, Pocatello High School
Honorable Mention: Emily Teuscher, Pocatello High School
Middle School
1st Place: Tennasey Stevens, Hawthorne Middle School — Life as an American
2nd Place: Adelaide Early, Hawthorne Middle School — Hope
3rd Place: Hannah Siler, Hawthorne Middle School — Free at Last
Honorable Mention: Jax Pearson, Andrew Bragg, Grayson Christen, Linus Eckman, Hawthorne Middle School — The Fourth of July
Honorable Mention: Lozen Herkshan Osborne, Hawthorne Middle School — The Heroes of the Past
Honorable Mention: Parley Harmon, Hawthorne Middle School – Colossus
Elementary School
1st Place: Emmy Youngblood, Syringa Elementary, Equality
2nd Place: Mazie Lewis, Syringa Elementary, Civic Dutys
3rd Place: Dylan Young, Syringa Elementary, Opportunity
Honorable Mention: Skylar McNabb, Syringa Elementary, Horse
Multi-Media
High School
1st Place: Highland High School Student Government — America Built by the Ordinary
2nd Place: Christine Reudter, Pocatello High School , Long Beach WA
3rd Place: Mark Smith, Pocatello High School — Yee-Haw
Honorable Mention: Graphic Design Class, Graphic Design Pathway
Honorable Mention: Business Program, PV-TEC — Celebrating 250 Years of American Business Success
Honorable Mention: Photography Program, PV-TEC — 250 Years of Photography in the United States
Middle School
1st Place: Chloe Davis, Hawthorne Middle School — Let America be Great Again
2nd Place: Maverick Leoni & Mason Hopkins, Hawthorne Middle School — MM’s History
3rd Place: Orchestra, Alameda Middle School — Yankee Doodle
Honorable Mention: Orchestra, Hawthorne Middle School — The World Turned Upside Down
Honorable Mention: Scott Muir, Hawthorne Middle School — Eagle of America
Honorable Mention: Dawsen Lewis, Hawthorne Middle School — Stars in America
Elementary School
1st Place: Braden Ramirez, Indian Hills Elementary — Flag Mask
2nd Place: Aurora “Rory” Jones, Gate City Elementary — The Patriotic Bird
People’s Choice Awards will be announced on May 4, bringing the total number of awards to more than fifty.
The district would like to thank the organizing committee members for planning and implementing the event, as well as Gate City Coffee for generously hosting the exhibition and providing a vibrant community space to showcase the work of our learners.
The exhibition was made possible through the generous support of the School District 25 Education Foundation, whose investment helps create opportunities that elevate learner voice and celebrate creativity across the district. As Idaho Gives approaches, the district invites community members to consider supporting the Foundation to help sustain experiences like this for learners.
