The Houston Independent School District Police Department has announced the winners of its first Police Appreciation Week Art Contest.

Third- through fifth-grade students throughout the district showcased their artistic skills on a range of law enforcement themes, including highlighting any HISD campus officer, honoring a relative in law enforcement, or the different types of law enforcement officers.

“It was amazing to see the themes and imaginations of our third-, fourth- and fifth-graders,” said Lt. Guadalupe Jimenez. “Their illustrations showed the time and effort that was contributed by each student.”

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Police officers and personnel from the department worked together to select the winners, who will receive a class party with nutritious food and snacks, sponsored by the National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA) Greater Houston Chapter. Police volunteers from other agencies have also been invited to join in celebrating the winners. Each winning entry per grade is currently on display at the HISD Police Department headquarters (3500 Tampa, 77021) and also will be recognized during the 2015 HISD Police Appreciation Luncheon.

Jimenez says many of this year’s entries recognized women in law enforcement, which she found exhilarating.

“This lets me know that many female students considered women important in this field and many young ladies visualized themselves as future law enforcement personnel,” Jimenez said. “This project was a huge success and we look forward to more students participating next year.”

Winners for the HISD PD Police Appreciation Art Contest:

• Ashley Chavez (5^th grade), Wainwright Elementary                         
• Mariana Perez (4^th grade), DeAnda Elementary                
• Yeonjae (Kate) Jeong (3^rd grade), West University Elementary and Mary Monjaras, Shirley Capetillo, Genesis Marquez, Jonathan Jackson and Alayiah Jones (3rd grade class project), Atherton Elementary (tie)