March 11, 2026
Sugar Grove, Ohio – Seven students from Berne Union Local School District are being recognized for their artistic achievements as part of Youth Art Month (YAM) 2026, a nationwide celebration held each March that highlights the value of visual arts education and student creativity.
Under the guidance of art educator Christina Clumm, Berne Union students earned recognition through statewide competitions and Youth Art Month exhibitions across Ohio.
Seventh-grade students Ruby Liptak and Jace Daniels received statewide recognition for their artwork reflecting the YAM 2026 theme, “The World Needs Art.” Ruby was selected as a State Participant in the YAM Flag Contest, a competition held at both the state and national levels that selects one overall winner from grades K-12 whose artwork is produced as a flag representing Ohio and later displayed at the National Art Education Conference. Jace received Honorable Mention in the Graphic Contest, a statewide competition that promotes Youth Art Month through student-designed posters. Ruby, Jace, and art educator Christina Clumm will be honored at the Ohio Youth Art Month Awards Ceremony on March 14.
Several other Berne Union students will have artwork featured in Youth Art Month exhibitions across Ohio. At the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA) Youth Art Month Exhibition, open to students in grades K-8 statewide and held March 14 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Lucy Fish (grade 8) and Alec Roundhouse (grade 7) will have artwork on display.
The Central OAEA Youth Art Month Exhibition, open to students in grades K-12 throughout the Central Ohio region, will also feature Berne Union artists. The exhibition will be held March 14 at Grove City Hall and will include artwork by Emma Mathewson (grade 12), Alex Liptak (grade 9) and Brady Hocking (grade 9).
“Seeing our students engage so deeply with art and express themselves in ways that resonate with others is incredibly rewarding,” said Clumm. “It’s inspiring to see their work celebrated through these exhibitions.”
“It’s exciting to see so many of our students recognized through Youth Art Month exhibitions and competitions across Ohio,” said Principal Craig Heath. “Their creativity and hard work highlight the importance of the arts and the incredible talent we have at Berne Union.”
The Berne Union Local School District is proud to support visual arts education and congratulates these students for their achievement and creativity.
Berne Union Local Schools is located in Sugar Grove, Ohio. The mission of the district is to develop students of character, resilience, and adaptability who will become productive citizens in our changing world. More information is available at buschools.com.
