Finishing off the year for seniors, we have a very special senior to show off. Emele Siegfried is very involved in the art community not only here at Sylvan Hills, but in the state of Arkansas as well. She is a very creative, helpful, and caring person who loves everything about art. She plans to attend Southern Arkansas University – Magnolia for art therapy after graduating high school.
Emele has been involved in many things here at SHHS, she was on the wrestling team for most of her high school career, securing a spot on the national team to represent Arkansas in Indiana, placing 2nd at State her freshman year, 3rd her sophomore year, and 4th her junior year. Wrestling was a big part of her life, it has changed her perspective on everything and opened her eyes. “I think wrestling has been a big part of shaping how I handle situations. I definitely look at failures a lot differently and keep an open mind about learning new things.”
Art is also another important part of her life, she has accomplished many impressive achievements including her artwork going to the capitol for the 250th anniversary of Arkansas’ independence, her art being currently displayed in the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock, the mayor of Sherwood issuing a Sherwood community coin to her for positively representing the city, winning 4th place at AYAA in 2024 (Arkansas Young Artist Association), and an honorable mention at AYAA in 2025.
Emele’s whole life is surrounded by art, getting to express herself through everything she creates. Something that she loves most about Sylvan Hills is the fact that there are so many opportunities to get involved with the help of the teachers. “My teachers always told me about new art competitions and nurtured my love for art and this made me have the confidence to share my art and enter art into more competitions.” Her teachers have always been involved in her art, pushing her to be the best she can be.
“Emele is one of the most driven students I have ever taught. She is extremely hardworking, motivated, and always creating something new. She never likes to sit still and is constantly staying busy with her art.” Said Mrs. Elizabeth Otten, one of Emele’s art teachers, “I have taught her since 10th grade, and it has been amazing to watch her grow so much as an artist.” Emele is always bringing Mrs. Otten new pieces of art, which she loves getting to see.
Emele has been in many art classes throughout school, having Mrs. Morgan Hurst as another art teacher for the past three years. “I could tell she was passionate about art from the very beginning in 10th grade, and she has far exceeded my expectations.” Emele has learned a lot when it comes to her art and how she goes about creating it. “One of my favorite parts has been watching her confidence grow and seeing her take creative risks. She approaches each project with thoughtfulness and originality, which makes teaching her especially rewarding.” notes Mrs. Hurst.
Emele has also had the opportunity to be entered into a voting for “The People’s Artist” presented by Johnny Depp! Her art would appear in Artforum Magazine, be displayed in The Art of Elysium’s Salon in LA, along with a $25,000 reward! Voting begins on May 4th at 12 p.m CST. So be sure to head over to the site and vote for her artwork!
https://peoplesartist.org/2026/emele-siegfried-rrFE
So please join the Hillside Banner staff in bidding farewell to Emele as she embarks on her new life and goes into a very successful future. Good luck on everything you face and will no doubt concur!
