The time of year has rolled around again: Barbers Hill Fine Arts Gala took place on Tuesday, December 16th and was an unforgettable day with some of the most exciting moments for the high school’s fine arts community in 2025.
Beginning with the annual Houston livestock show and rodeo’s school arts competition, upwards of 100 Barbers Hill artists had a piece shown in the library for a spectacular art gala. Students competed and won one of four awards; third place, a white ribbon, second place, a red ribbon, first place and finalist, a blue ribbon.
This year was a smashing success for artists in our high school. A multitude of students got the highest honor of finalist, and will be leaving the district level for their art to be judged in Houston. Some of these blue-ribbon finalists include, but are not limited to, 9th graders Gracie Ballesteros, Dennis Mariano, Makiya Allen, Kara Sitton and Joyce De La Rosa, and 10th grader Lilly Lide.These students were also eligible to advance to the next round and potentially have their artwork on display in Houston, win scholarships, sell their work for auction, and more. This competition is a show-stopping achievement for our artists here at Barbers Hill.
Following our Rodeo Art display, the school also featured more of their student body’s talent the same night. The Swing Choir, the Jazz Band, and more exhibited mere perfection that evening.
Gorgeous melodies to Christmas classics were performed by the Jazz band. And as usual, they left their audience in awe of their talent. One spectator said “I’m just blown away by these children’s musical ability… It’s amazing, really. They’ve all got something special… Every single one of them.” Which audibly shows that it’s not just playing an instrument, it’s something deep, and beautiful. These students really do have artistic talent like no other, and it is nothing short but a Christmas blessing for the public to see their skills shine.
Swing Choir participants sang Christmas carols and danced beautifully as the night went on. “There are no other words to describe what I’ve just seen than a simply beautiful performance,” One individual said. This night was clearly a favorite for anyone who blessed themselves with being present at Barbers Hill High School.
In the end, it all comes down from a bunch of new-wave Picassos, to breathtakingly talented band members, to finally, a group of teens who share their joy with their extravagant voices. There is no doubt that we had some serious savants on our hands at the Christmas Gala.
