In a record-breaking year with 82 submissions, the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission announced today that high school student Alexa Villanueva’s artwork, titled "My Today, Our Tomorrow," emerged as the winner of the Ninth Annual Citywide Student Art Contest. Villanueva's creation will serve as the visual representation for the 37th Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Commemoration scheduled for Monday, January 15, 2024.

The official unveiling and dedication of the winning artwork occurred on Tuesday, January 9, at 10 a.m. at the Carver Community Cultural Center.

Fifteen-year-old Alexa Villanueva, a student at Robert G. Cole High School, expressed her gratitude, stating, "It’s an honor to be recognized as the winner of the City of San Antonio’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 9th Annual Student Art Contest. I am grateful for the opportunity to capture Dr. King’s dream through my artwork, and would like to extend a huge thank you to the City of San Antonio for this honor and opportunity." Villanueva crafted her winning piece using the digital art program Procreate. The artwork's selection was based on criteria such as concept, artistic imagery, visual presentation, and originality.

District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez remarked, "This art contest truly is a platform for honoring the exceptional talent of young individuals throughout the city of San Antonio. As an educator, this particular moment holds a special place in my heart, as it allows me to witness firsthand the remarkable creativity that our students bring to the table. Alexa’s storytelling through art stands as a source of immense pride for us, and we eagerly anticipate a future that is not only bright but also filled with artistic brilliance."

The City of San Antonio, in collaboration with District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and the San Antonio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission chaired by Dwayne Robinson, invites the community to participate in the nation's largest march. The 2024 commemorations will commence with the march kickoff at 10 a.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, followed by a park celebration at Pittman-Sullivan Park. The events will include a main stage with multicultural performances, a health and wellness area, a youth area, food and merchandise vendors, and information booths.

To stay updated on the MLK March and commemorations, visit the MLK Commission website.