Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS1) announced that Mary Walter Elementary student Cole Thompson won third place in the elementary division of the 2025 Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Blue Ridge Regional Art Contest.
The VSBA Regional Art Contest, now in its 36th year, showcases student artwork from across Virginia. Entries from elementary, middle, and high school students are judged by local school board members. According to a news release by FCPS1, Cole Thompson of Mary Walter Elementary earned third place in the elementary division, and his artwork is displayed in the Fauquier County School Board Office.
“I am so proud of Cole and his ability to explore and create in the art room,” said Amy Kidder, art educator at Mary Walter Elementary. “The smile on his face and the congratulations of his peers as he accepted his award were priceless. Hopefully this recognition will lead him to a lifelong interest in the arts.”
The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA), a voluntary and nonpartisan group of Virginia school boards, aims to advance public education through leadership, advocacy, and support services. The organization seeks to be a recognized leader in education by focusing on improving student achievement, representing public schools at all government levels, and encouraging active participation from member boards and stakeholders. Its 2023–2026 strategic plan guides VSBA’s work to support school boards and uphold its mission in the 21st century.
Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS1), located in Fauquier County, Virginia, serves a primarily rural area of about 650 square miles near Washington, D.C., and Richmond. It has a population of around 68,000. FCPS1 operates 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, and one alternative learning school. The district’s mission is to develop creative, confident, and knowledgeable citizens who are globally competitive by cultivating all learners’ potential. Governed by a five-member School Board under Superintendent Dr. Major Warner’s leadership, FCPS1 follows Virginia statutes and Board of Education regulations to set policies that support student success.
