WFHS Artist of the Month Wins Yearbook Cover Design Contest

“Big journeys start with small steps…” That’s the quote that inspired this year’s yearbook cover created by January artist of the month, Jaclyn Nguyen, a talented senior student-artist from Theresa Bianco’s AP art class. Jackie is proud of having her work selected to grace the cover of the Class of 2020 yearbook – a top goal of hers since her sophomore year.

Jackie’s winning concept and design are meant to depict that life is like a puzzle and it is meant to encompass the William Floyd journey, kindergarten through 12th grade, and the transition from a child to a young adult.

In the work, students start out as children, featured as LEGOs, pictured in front of an elementary school constructed of blocks beneath a tree made with handprints. This section will be on the back cover. That cute and playful portion of the artwork is contrasted by the culmination of the William Floyd journey – graduation – depicted by two students in their graduation gowns holding up their diplomas as the last piece of the puzzle is about to be put into place.

Jackie’s own journey at William Floyd began in kindergarten at Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School and continued at William Floyd Middle School and now William Floyd High School. In just a few short months, she will be gearing up for the next chapter of her journey – she will be going to college to study art – specifically painting or graphic design. Painting is her favorite medium and she is also skilled in charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, water color and more.

“Jackie is self-motivated and has an amazing attention to detail in her pieces, as you can see by her cover design,” said Theresa Bianco, chairperson, Fine Arts, William Floyd School District. “She wanted her work to be personal but also something that everyone can relate to.”

Jackie is a member of the National Art Honor Society and serves as the secretary as selected by her peers. She was also recently named a winner of the William Floyd birthday celebration poster contest.

Selecting student artwork to grace the cover of each yearbook has been a longstanding tradition at William Floyd dating back to at least the 1980s, possibly earlier. Jostens, the yearbook company, recently informed Ms. Bianco that William Floyd is one of only a few schools left on Long Island that still uses its own designs, which the company uses as quality examples when recruiting other schools.

For this competition each year, students are tasked with writing a description of their cover proposal and how it incorporates the theme for the school year. Students create the work, which is then displayed for judging by students in AP art & portfolio classes, high school art teachers and administrators.

Jackie’s work was selected from among many wonderfully talented student artists at William Floyd High School, many of whom will also have their work featured in various spots throughout the yearbook.