Congratulations Natalie Rathkopf!

2020 Fine Arts Senior Award Winner

“Even in elementary school you were a rising star! Always coming up with original ideas and being creative. I am so proud you were chosen for the Senior Fine Arts Award. Remember what Maya Angelou said: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” I hope you’ll always use art as a way to make your soul happy! -Robin Murphy (Elementary Art Teacher)

“Congratulations on receiving the Fine Art Senior Award! Although I’m excited to see you recognized, I’m not surprised. I remember vividly your excellent skill set and creativity in middle school. It makes my art nerd heart so happy to see that you’ve continued to embrace your creative path and expand on your artistic ability. I cannot wait to see what endeavors you conquer in the future and know that you will somehow incorporate the arts into your life. Congratulations. You are more than deserving.” -BWall (Middle School Art Teacher)

“I’ve had a very strong love for art ever since elementary school. When I was in middle school I realized that my favorite thing to do was create portraits. I loved the way people looked and I loved drawing them, especially their eyes. I loved how I could take someone in my life and make them into a piece of art. It was the best feeling in the world to me when people started to recognize the people in the pieces, and it made me feel like I was doing something that was actually good. In high school, I started using different mediums on my pieces including charcoal, paint, pen, and colored pencil rather than just graphite. I hope to continue my art journey throughout college and the rest of my life and I hope I continue to get better every day.” -Natalie

Natalie is one of the most hard-working and skilled art students I’ve ever had the privilege to teach. As a 9th grader in my Art 1 class, I was immediately impressed with her attention to detail and the quality of every work she produced. As I got to know Natalie more, I learned that she had the benefit of inspiring art teachers before me and very supportive family and friends. She values these important people in her life greatly, and her art has reflected this ever since. Natalie completed Art 1, Art 2, Advanced Art, and is now in the process of finishing her AP Studio Art portfolio. Personally, I have grown a lot these past four years being Natalie’s teacher as I worked to find new ways of helping her grow her artistic ability. But what I appreciate the most is Natalie’s character. She is humble, welcoming to others, always willing to learn, and focused on the beauty of everything and everyone that surrounds her. Next year, Natalie will be attending Auburn University where she will be studying Industrial Design. I am so proud of you Natalie! Congratulations on earning the Eagle River High School Fine Arts Senior Award for 2020, and I wish nothing but the very best for you in the future. -Mr. Bera (High School Art Teacher)