LOS ANGELES – Farmers Insurance representatives and NASCAR’s Kasey Kahne, driver of the No. 5 Farmers Insurance Chevy SS for Hendrick Motorsports, visited the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 7, 2015, to announce the third winner of the Farmers Racing Art Series.
Kahne announced that Miguel Ornelas’ patriotic design was selected as the third winner in the six-part series. Farmers collaborated with the school this year to provide young artists the opportunity to create a series of hero cards, featuring Kahne and his team. Student artists are designing the artwork based on racing and lifestyle themes: preparation/goal setting; teamwork; patriotism; family; speed; and victory. The remaining three winners will be announced over the next few months with the final announcement in September.
Ornelas, a 10th grader, worked for over a month on the text based visual art. The American flag features the names of all 50 states and “USA,” while an image of Kahne and his firesuit are made from the words “Kasey Kahne, Farmers Insurance and Paseo Academy support America.” Orneleas received a $500 educational gift card and will have his artwork displayed at race tracks and through Farmers Racing social media channels. Gift cards were also given to all students who participated in the Farmers Art Racing Series.
“It’s been a great experience visiting Paseo Academy today to recognize these talented high school students in Kansas City, who are participating in the Farmers Racing Arts Series program,” Kahne said. “I think it’s important that we recognize just how hard they are working on this program, and also show our support for the teachers who give their time, talent and knowledge to help the students prepare for the future. Farmers Insurance does a lot to help our community so it’s a privilege being a part of this educational program.”
Kahne also honored four faculty members as part of Farmers’ continuing Thank America’s Teachers initiative. Farmers donated 24 digital drawing-enabled tablets to the school to further the growth and development of students’ creative skills.
“This collaboration brings a real-world perspective and opportunity to our students’ lives, allowing them to showcase their talents to a large and passionate fan base,” said Dr. Dennis Walker, principal of Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts and one of the faculty members honored during the event. “Our partnership with Farmers Insurance further shines a light on our tremendous faculty’s commitment to preparing our students for the future and shows that good things happen to people who work hard.”
The teachers and administrators, whose commitment to students was honored during the event, are: Dr. Dennis Walker, principal; Ms. Sharon Mitchell, art teacher; Ms. Pamela Sahl, art teacher; and Mr. Paul Lucas, art teacher.
“We continue to be inspired by the great work done by teachers every day,” said Mike Boyd, head of brand and sponsorships for Farmers Insurance. “Whether it’s through our Thank America’s Teachers program or our work with the Paseo Academy on the Farmers Racing Art Series, we take great pride in supporting the teachers who commit their lives to preparing our children for the future.”
The Farmers Racing Arts Series is a continuation of Farmers’ commitment to education. Farmers launched the Thank America’s Teachers program in early 2015, sending its yellow school bus on a coast-to-coast tour to recognize the nation’s educators. The Thank America’s Teachers program will engage with local communities to thank teachers and provide the public an opportunity to help teachers enter to win part of more than $1 million in grants.
The artwork is available in the form of hero cards (small collectable prints) at the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports’ team hauler in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage and at the No. 5 merchandise hauler. Fans can also view the entire collection of artwork and win a limited edition Kahne signed poster by visiting http://FarmersRacingArt.Tumblr.com.