Spiegel, Discovery artists recognized during Black History Month

Raquel Spiegel, art teacher at Discovery Middle School, was named Black History Teacher Artist of the Year. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Rosie’s International Services Inc. has honored Raquel Spiegel at Discovery Middle School as Black History Teacher Artist of the Year.

In addition, Discovery art students Victoria Lee and Shiyeon Ku were recognized. Lee was first-place winner as “Black History Artist of the Year,” and Ku earned third place in that category.

Spiegel, Lee and Ku received their awards at the 13th annual Black History Enrichment and Enlightenment Festival at Trinity United Methodist Church on Feb. 7. Local high school choirs, African drummers and other entertainers performed at the festival.

Col. R.J. Lewis, president of the Tuskegee Airmen, was featured speaker. “The history Col. Lewis touched on is unforgettable,” Spiegel said. “I was very glad to see so many young people in the audience respectfully listening.”

“Through art, we may communicate and understand diverse cultures in a global society,” sponsor Rosie Douglas said.

In other recognition, Discovery art student Isabella Guerra earned first place in the African-American Black History Month Art Contest, sponsored by Rosie’s International. Other winners were Ambra Cave, second place; Joy Onawola, third; and Tiffany Wu, honorable mention. Their awards ceremony was held at the Sparkman Center on Redstone Arsenal on Feb. 20.

Spiegel teaches visual arts at Discovery with classes in sculpture and mixed media and sponsors the Art Club. “I’m so honored to work with such awesome young artists,” Spiegel said. “My students have been recognized in numerous competitions at district, state and national levels.”

“I find it rewarding to keep art alive in my school, community and in our future. The major challenge is helping students see the connection between art and all the curricular,” she said. Spiegel’s slogan is “Where Is Art Not?”

Spiegel earned degrees at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic University in San Antonio, Texas and George Mason University. She has taught in Kiserslautern and Baumholder, Germany, Texas, Colorado and Virginia.

“I have a very supportive family. My husband is Ret. Col Spud Spiegel, president of System Dynamics International. We were blessed with two wonderful sons,” Spiegel said.