Autism Awareness

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From the beginning, Sarai’s life has been a journey of both struggle and resilience. As an infant, she faced the challenges of infantile spasms- relentless seizures that are resistant to treatment, and severely disrupt brain development. Later, she was diagnosed with Level 3 Autism. 

Yet, through every trial, Sarai shines. She radiates joy, humor, and a kindhearted spirit that touches everyone she meets. Life is not without its challenges- limited communication can lead to frustration, meltdowns and tears. Words often remain locked inside, unspoken. Each stroke of her artwork is a window into her world, a glimpse of her unspoken thoughts and emotions. 

Daughter of Rene and Andrea Blanco from Lubbock, Texas, she attended Lubbock Cooper Liberty High School at the time of her artistic recognition. 

* Note: This post discusses sensitive topics including mental health and self-harm. If you are struggling or finding life hard to cope with, please reach out for support by calling or texting 988 (available 24/7)

Early in life, Kaydee faced significant loss, including the passing of her older brother and grandmother who she also calls “granny”. Navigating such immense grief brought heavy layers of anxiety and depression. When those emotions felt too vast to process, she sometimes turned to self-harm to find a momentary release. Through the love and support of her family and community, Kaydee found a healthier, more positive outlet : Art. It became her way to process emotions, channel creativity, and transform pain into something meaningful. Her work invites viewers to connect with her perspective and find inspiration in the power of perseverance. She generously shares her creative talent through in-kind donations to meaningful organizations. One such organization includes  Milestones Development and Play Park which is a first inclusive, climate-controlled indoor play space for children of all abilities.  At the time of her recognition she attended Slaton High School and is adopted daughter of Jerry and Karen McGwier of Slaton, Texas. 

* Note: This post discusses sensitive topics including mental health and self-harm. If you are struggling or finding life hard to cope with, please reach out for support by calling or texting 988 (available 24/7)

Jiovanna was born a premature triplet in Lubbock, Texas and since birth has had to learn how to navigate life with resilience and strength.

Health challenges and milestone delays were experienced in her early stages of life and at the age of 6 she was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Short-term memory loss. Because of these learning differences she faced a different challenge- that of being misunderstood and treated poorly by her peers in school. Between the ages of 11 and 14 she struggled with self harm as a coping mechanism for her internal distress. And thus is also an advocate for Self Harm Awareness. 

However, a season of change was on the horizon and a turning point in her life came through faith, prayer and the support of her family and church community. Encouragement from loved ones and her pastor has helped her recognize that she is beautifully made in God’s image. She now enjoys writing poetry, listening to true crime, collecting albums, and spending time with her family and their 4 dogs.

She aspires to become a homicide detective in the future and encourages others to embrace creativity, appreciate their loved ones and always try to find the good in every situation. She attended Premier High School of Lubbock at the time of her recognition.

 For Ayden, creating art is more than just a creative outlet—it is a vital way to process life, communicate complex thoughts, and express his unique view of the world.  Living with ADHD, autism and depression, he brings a distinct perspective to his work. Drawing provides him with focus and clarity, offering a medium to convey feelings and ideas that words alone often fall short of capturing. Although he has faced his share of personal challenges and mistreatment from others, he has chosen to channel those experiences into resilience, maintaining an unshakable commitment to positivity through his art. Artistically, Ayden strives to bridge the gap between realism and imagination anchoring his subjects in detail while letting creative freedom shape his work. Beyond the drawing board his passion for creation takes many forms: he enjoys music, creative storytelling, character design, and exploring mechanical systems to discover how things work. As he continues to hone his craft, he hopes his journey inspires others to see that life‘s obstacles do not define us—instead they can become the foundation for deep strength, hope, and meaningful self expression. He is the son of Amanda Hernandez and attended Tahoka High School at the time of his recognition.

Xanthippe carries a name born of ancient wisdom, the name of Socrates’ wife. Yet her own story is written in a language all her own. Diagnosed with autism at just two years old, her world has always been shaped by a different set of rules— a landscape where the steady rhythm of time feels more like a shifting tide. To Xanthippe, dates, months and years are not anchors; they are fleeting concepts, often slipping through her grasp like sand.

While the spoken word can feel like a narrow bridge, she is far from silent. Where conversation might have limitations and falter, her spirit soars. She has found her voice in the vibrant stroke of a brush and the vivid language of drawing.

Through her art, the walls of her isolation fall away. Every canvas is a breakthrough, an unfiltered window into a sound that experiences the world with a profound, quiet intensity. She isn’t just painting or drawing; she is finally, beautifully, making herself heard.  At the time of her recognition she attended Estacado High School.