Texas Kids Shine In Treasures Of The Texas Coast Art Contest

I’ve got to tell you, every time I see the artwork from Texas kids in these contests, it absolutely blows me away. We’re talking kindergarten through middle school students creating pieces that look like they belong in a professional gallery.

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And this year? A fifth grader took the top prize.

Texas Fifth Grader Wins It All With This Texas Cowboy Blowfish

According to the latest announcement from the Texas General Land Office, 5th grader Michael Li from Katy, Texas, has been named the grand prize winner of the 30th Annual Treasures of the Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest.

Out of more than 1,300 entries statewide, judges narrowed it down to just 40 winners, and Michael’s piece rose to the top.

His artwork features a bright orange puffer fish wearing a cowboy hat, complete with a Texas banner and ocean waves in the background. It’s creative, it’s fun, and honestly, it’s about as “Texas coast” as it gets.

Texas Talent Runs Deep

The runner-up, also a 5th grader from Katy, created a colorful spiral seashell design that earned high praise from judges.

This contest, part of the Adopt-A-Beach program, has been going strong for 30 years and encourages students to show their love for the Texas coastline and marine life through art.

And from what I’ve seen, these kids don’t just participate, they bring it.

Big Rewards for Big Creativity

Now here’s the part that’ll make any kid (or parent) smile.

The grand prize winner receives:

• A 6- to 8-night Caribbean cruise for two
• A family pass to the Houston Museum of Natural Science

All 40 winners will also have their artwork featured in the 2027 Adopt-A-Beach calendar and receive prizes like Schlitterbahn tickets, gift cards, and official recognition from the state.

Texas Talent On Full Display

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Texas kids are something special.

Whether it’s sports, academics, or in this case, pure creativity, they continue to impress. And seeing a fifth grader create something this detailed and imaginative? That’s the kind of story I love sharing.

Now I’m curious, if this is what they’re doing in elementary school, what are they going to be creating 10 years from now?

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