BY KAREN BOSSICK

A first-grader at Bellevue Elementary School is flying high after winning a statewide art contest that earned her an airplane flight over the Wood River Valley.

And a fourth-grader was able to load up on art supplies after winning second place in her age group.

Zoe Hill won a plane ride in a contest sponsored by Idaho Aviation Association that was entered by students at Bellevue Elementary, The theme of the contest was “Around the World in a Plane.”

Zoe Hill, Kimber Traue and Athena McLaughlin show off their awards and art work.

“Engagement was high as we learned about famous landmarks around the world and practiced drawing airplanes,” said Kimber Traue, the school’s art and reading specialist. “Our little school had two winners--the only school in the state with two winners!”

Hill drew a plane that kind of looks like a cross between a plane, helicopter and big giant blue fish flying through the clouds over the Egyptian pyramids sitting on ocean waves.

And as her reward, she was treated to a flight on a small plane over the Wood River Valley that originated at t Atlantic Aviation.

“What a surprise when Zoe’s mom Erin and I were invited to go up too!” said Traue. “We could choose to fly over the north or south valley. Zoe chose to fly over the south valley so she could see her house out Muldoon Canyon and Bellevue Elementary. We also got to see the city of Hailey and the mountains. What an incredible experience!” 

Zoe Hill even got a few minutes in the cockpit.

Meanwhile, fourth-grader Athena McLaughlin was thrilled to receive a gift certificate for art supplies for her second-place finish in her age group. She painted a snazzy looking plane flying past London’s Big Ben headed toward the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

“I am so proud of my art students and their hard work,” said Traue. “The visual arts offer an authentic way for students to learn and express themselves through images they create. The arts also provide a wonderful way to engage with community.”