Natasha Torres, an eighth-grade student at de Zavala Middle School in Irving, has won NCTCOG’s annual Progress North Texas student art contest. The young artist’s drawing of various modes of North Texas transportation superbly illustrated this year's theme, “A region of choice.”
Her dynamic, four-panel picture depicts bicycles, trains, planes, buses, even skateboards, in various North Texas settings.
The NCTCOG Transportation Department received 30 entries from Irving ISD students from third to 12th grade. Natasha’s work was judged the best, earning her picture a place on the cover of Progress North Texas 2025, NCTCOG’s annual transportation state of the region report.
An awards ceremony was held for Natasha on May 8 at de Zavala Middle School, where Natasha was presented with a framed image of the report featuring her artwork. In attendance were Natasha’s art teacher, Angela Ruvalcaba; and Gayla Lawrence, director of visual arts for the Irving ISD.
Natasha drew inspiration for her picture from her family’s experiences in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, combined with her own aspirations for future travels and adventures.
“At its heart, the piece is a visual tribute to the places around Dallas-Fort Worth where she has spent time with her family,” says Ruvalcaba. “Natasha’s dedication and love for creating are evident in every detail, inviting viewers to feel her memories and see the world through her vibrant lens.”
Eduardo Morales, an 11th grade student at Nimitz High School, was awarded second place, and Loany Palma, a third-grade student at Johnston Elementary School, was honored with a third-place win.
The NCTCOG transportation art contest began in 2012, when Fort Worth ISD elementary school students were asked what transportation would look like in 2035. Each year since, the competition has rotated around the region, allowing different school districts the opportunity to showcase their students’ artistic ability. Ruvalcaba says Natasha has a bright future ahead of her.
“She is very creative and she works really hard,” she says. “She has a natural talent. I wish her only more success in the future because she’s amazing.”
