An anonymous donation from a community member led to a schoolwide art contest at Hampton Bays Elementary School with one student winning a basket full of art goodies on Feb. 7. 

“We couldn’t break up the basket of art supplies that was donated, so we decided to hold an art contest,” said art teacher Debra McDowell. 

For the contest, students were given a week to create an image of their favorite place in Hampton Bays. A group of teachers then sat to judge the works and named several winners including fourth grade student Nichole Ayala as the grand prizewinner of the art supply basket a drawing of herself in her bedroom meditating. 

Other students depicted the beach, a local park, the Ponquogue Bridge and the Carvel Ice Cream Shop. All winners received a medal, certificate of achievement and a gift certificate to Francesca’s in Hampton Bays. 

The Hampton Bays School District extends its congratulations to the following student artists: 
Grand Prize: Nicole Ayal
First Place: Skye Patino
Second Place: Alora Asher-Ferguson
Third Place: Angelina Lopez-Tenaglia
Honorable Mentions: Lily Billingham, Catherine Maffia, Kayleigh Nunns and Lorelei Palmieri