When Riverside Academy needed a design for T-shirts for the annual Spring Fest to be held in April, the school turned to Mrs. Kerri Roussel’s art classes for inspiration.  Each class had one week to design a shirt with the theme “Board Games” and the top 10 designs were sent to the Spring Fest committee for voting.

The winning design was created by junior Ryan Poche, a member of the seventh hour arts class.

Despite winning the competition, Ryan had a disadvantage. Because he plays baseball, Ryan had to leave early for games and had less time to work than his classmates. Also, he had never really designed anything or even drawn very much.

But, according to Mrs. Roussel, he came into class and got straight to work and his hard work is the reason he landed at the top of the competition.

“I didn’t expect to win because I did not think I’d have enough time,” Ryan said. “I only had two days because of baseball. I’m surprised they picked mine.”

Ryan’s winning design will be on shirts that are available for purchase through the front office. Shirts are $20 each and must be ordered by Friday, March 15. Students will be able to wear the shirts to school the week of April 15-19. Spring Fest will be held April 19-21 on the school grounds.