Lisa Balmas, Community Bank President for UMB in Monett announced Janeth Serrano as the 2008 K-6 Art Contest Grand Champion.

Ms. Serrano was the overwhelming selection based on voting that occurred the week of December 8 thru 12^th.  See the winning drawing below.

Ms. Serrano is the daughter of Juan Serrano and Maria Castillo of Purdy. Student Serrano began drawing pictures while in kinder garden. She says her mom was her inspiration when they lived in Butterfield. In the beginning, her mom taught her how to draw simple objects. After mastering simple forms, he mom helped her daughter draw more detailed dimensional objects and structures.

Student Serrano says she enjoys drawing landscape scenes. Her favorite colors are blue and green but she has the most fun matching color schemes. Student Serrano entered her first contest while in elementary school. She thinks she finished 2^nd or 3^rd.

During the past few years her art teachers have continued helping her develop her art technique and skills. Student Serrano identified Ms. Holt as being the most influential teacher in school. Her current art teacher is Kelly Harper.

Student Serrano has one younger brother. When she was developed her drawing, he told her that he hoped she would win. When she was first told about being this year's Grand Champion, she said "I have never won anything in my Life". After it settled in that she won Student Serrano had the biggest smile. Someday Ms. Serrano would like to be and artist.