A Magic Valley student has earned recognition in a national art competition celebrating American heroes. Josie Starr won the Idaho Elementary School Category in the National American Heroes Student Art Contest, with work depicting mathematician Katherine Johnson.
Starr’s artwork was photographed in Washington, D.C., in early July 2026 as part of the national competition documentation. The contest honors young artists who create works inspired by figures who have made significant contributions to American history and society.
Katherine Johnson, the subject of Starr’s entry, was a pioneering African American mathematician whose calculations were critical to NASA’s space missions, including the Mercury and Apollo programs. Her story has gained renewed attention in recent years through popular media and educational initiatives highlighting overlooked figures in American science and history.
The National American Heroes Student Art Contest recognizes student artists across multiple grade levels and categories. Starr’s win in the elementary school division reflects both artistic skill and knowledge of influential Americans.
The Magic Valley region continues to produce accomplished students across academic and creative disciplines. Local schools, including those in the Twin Falls School District, support student achievement through arts programming and extracurricular opportunities.
What Comes Next
Details regarding additional recognition events or display opportunities for Starr’s artwork have not been announced. Interested families and community members can follow updates through local school district communications and national contest announcements for information about future art exhibitions or student recognition ceremonies.