For a short time in March, drivers passing by the giant billboards lining the highways around Austin could view the artwork of one Akins art student.

The advertisement featured an image created by senior Rachel Davison, who submitted her artwork into a contest that accepted entries from across the Austin school district. One student’s  piece was selected to be used on a billboard to promote Youth Art Month and the Student Art Show that was hosted at the Performing Arts Center in March.

Davison said she was happy to see her work enlarged and posted around town.

“I was shocked when I heard that my design won,” Davison said.

Youth Art Month is an annual celebration in schools across the nation, traditionally celebrated during March. It is administered by the Council for Art Education to promote quality visual arts education in schools, emphasize the importance of fine arts, expand existing programs, and recognize the efforts and successes of the young creative community.

The billboard design contest was co-sponsored by the school district and A+ Federal Credit Union, which has organized the event for middle and high school students in the district for the past 25 years. There were few requirements needed to be admitted for judging. The contest only insisted a student incorporate the theme of “art connects” in a landscape format.

Davison’s winning design was put up for display on nine different billboards throughout Austin, all of which advertised the Student Art Show that was held at the Performing Arts Center from March 8 to 27.

Various district staff and representatives from sponsoring organizations attended the signing ceremony as the Austin Fire Department assisted with the lift to the billboard.

Davison and art teacher Vivian Holland-Medina were lifted eight stories up on a hydraulic platform of a fire truck on March 24 to autograph one of the billboards.

Kerry Parker, CEO of A+ Federal Credit Union, said her company sponsors Youth Art Month because it values the importance of art.

“I think education is not just in books,” she said. “Art is important for one to become a successful student, and become successful in life.”

The company also sponsors student artistic endeavors by displaying student work in their offices year round.

“Our members and staff love looking at the artwork on display in our office,” he said.

Kristen Marsteller, the instructional coordinator of Fine Arts for the Austin school district, was at the location of the signing and has been responsible for overseeing the event since its inception.

“We have the billboard contest to advertise Youth Art Month and the exhibit at the Performing Arts Center, in order to highlight the artwork produced throughout the city, as well as honor our art teachers,” Marsteller said.

Also present at the signing was Edmund Oropez, the district’s associate superintendent of high schools.

“It’s honestly my favorite part of the job to see the kids out here, and see them succeed,” Oropez said.