Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School (HML) student Carina Zatarain was awarded the grand prize for the Orange Bowl Art Poster Contest “Expect to Win with Healthy Living.” The contest was for students in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Zatarain was awarded a $500 Nike gift card, tickets to the Capital One Orange Bowl Football game for on-field recognition, and a customized Limited Edition Orange Bowl bicycle.
She was also recognized for her artistic talent by the Miami Marlins on the field for her “Marlins Think-Tank Holiday Card Contest” submission. Zatarain placed in second for the “Neat Streets Miami Clean Up & Green Up” poster contest and will be commended on May 19 at the Stephen P. Clark Center.
One of Zatarain’s artistic accomplishments hangs within the streets of Miami Lakes, as she is also one of the Town of Miami Lakes Main Street Poster Contest winners. Her painting is displayed near the Ruby Tuesday’s.
Zatarain is also the recipient of the Harvard Book Club award, Congress Photography Recognition, Superior Honor Roll, Best Drawing Student for 2012-2013 and named once again for 2013-2014.
“Throughout the three years I have been in Mr. Mario Vazquez’s class, I never thought that I was good enough to win an an art contest. At the start of my senior year, I was determined to prove myself wrong. My teacher really motivated me to try hard and always provided me with supplies. My mom and dad are very supportive in my artistic endeavors and I’d like to thank them for never yelling at me when I come home with paint on my jeans,” said Zatarain.
In addition to the accolades Zatarain has earned, she is active in her school, participating in Future Business Leaders of American, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Model United Nations. She is also the captain of the cheerleading and softball teams.
“Ever since I was able to hold a crayon I’ve had a passion for drawing and painting – it’s great to end my senior year on a positive note and to have been recognized so greatly for my hard work and efforts,” said Zatarain.
Zatarain plans to attend Florida International University to study English Literature.