Student Highlight: Carina Araujo – A Young Voice for Change and Creativity
Carina Araujo, a talented 7th grade student here at Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences, has been making waves in both the literary and artistic worlds. Her passion for conservation and her creative spirit has earned her multiple prestigious awards that demonstrate her potential to shape the future in meaningful ways.
Last year, Carina was honored with the Gold Award for her powerful story, The Legacy of the Blue Macaw, as part of the Voices of the Future competition. This recognition was well-deserved, as her writing delves into environmental themes, showcasing her concern for endangered species and their habitats. Carina’s work was featured on page 107 of the competition’s publication, where her thoughtful narrative shines a light on the importance of preserving biodiversity.
In addition to her literary success, Carina is also an accomplished visual artist. She won the Young Artist Award for her painting, The Pensive Harlequin, which was recognized in the 2025 Maryland Junior Duck Stamp contest. Her painting, along with her heartfelt conservation message, earned her second place in her age group for the statement: “Conservation is key to helping our habitats, saving our environment, and creating a healthy world for all of us and generations to come.” These awards highlight her dedication not only to artistic expression but also to the protection of our planet.
Carina’s voice extends beyond the written and visual arts. Her quote, “Be the voice of freedom in a world of silence,” was selected for display at two waterside parks in Florida. This display was part of the Embracing Our Differences initiative, which showcases messages that encourage diversity, inclusion, and reflection on the power of individual voices. The selection of her quote provides further context of her understanding of the importance of speaking up for what is right and making an impact in the world.
Barnesville is incredibly proud of Carina and continues to support her as she grows and achieves even greater success. The community feels fortunate to have such a talented and driven student who uses her creativity and passion to inspire others. Carina’s achievements are a testament to her dedication, creativity, and commitment to making a difference. It is clear that Carina Arajuo has a bright future ahead, and we can’t wait to see the positive changes she will bring to the world.
Barnesville School
21830 Peach Tree Road
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341
PO Box 404
Barnesville, MD 20838
p: 301.972.0341
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