Izabel Bajema, a senior at the Independent Learning Center (ILC), will be recognized Wednesday (May 14) at a statewide arts awards ceremony in Olympia.
Bajema won an honorable mention in the 2025 Superintendent’s High School Art Show for her painting “Plums,” after winning best of show with the piece March 15 at the regional level, according to the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD).
Bajema was one of three local high school artists to advance to the state competition out of the NCESD regional contest. Lily Arntsen of the ILC and Liberty Bell High School student Elliot Pixie-Plott also earned best of show in the region, which includes Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas and Grant counties.
Other Methow Valley students garnering awards at the regional competition in March were Audrey Roman, who won a mixed-media award; Ghost Miranda, with a digital-media entry; and Bajema again, recognized in the three-dimensional category for a mask she created called “Mystic.”
Bajema intends to continue working on her art at Western Washington University in Bellingham after graduation, according to a Methow Valley School District Facebook post.
The Superintendent’s High School Art Show is in its 52nd year, with student artwork judged by state Superintendent Chris Reykdal, arts organizations and education professionals, according to NCESD.
