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Students Honored at March 2026 Board of Education Meeting

Posted Date: 03/18/26 (11:49 AM)
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Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 honors students Melanie Gutierrez and Amelia Wells on March 16, 2026.The CUSD 10 Board of Education honored two students during the March 2026 regular meeting:  Collinsville High School senior Melanie Gutierrez and Dorris Intermediate School student Amelia Wells.
Melanie Gutierrez 
Melanie Gutierrez was introduced by CHS Principal Bobby Wright. Melanie was recently  awarded  a 2026 Racial Harmony Award from the Center for Racial Harmony.  

The Center for Racial Harmony is located in Belleville, Illinois. The organization is dedicated to promoting understanding, cooperation and communication among all races and ethnic groups.  Each year, they recognize students who have gone above and beyond to promote goodwill and respect.

Ms. Gutierrez was nominated for the award by Collinsville High School (CHS) teacher and Multicultural Club sponsor Mrs. Lindauer.
 
Gutierrez has helped shape a school culture of empathy, cooperation and mutual respect at CHS. As Multicultural Club president, she ensures students feel supported and celebrated. Her collaborative leadership has helped ensure CHS events such as Mr. Homecoming, Miss Snowflake and the Multicultural 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament are celebrations of diversity.

Amelia Wells 

Dorris Intermediate School fifth grader Amelia Wells' artwork Sonified Black Hole has been selected as a top finalist in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's Picture the Music art competition.  
Picture the Music challenges students from Illinois and Missouri to listen to a selected piece of music and create artwork that visually depicts the emotions and thoughts that each student experiences while listening to the music. 

"Codes,” which is the second movement from Kevin Puts’ "Contact," served as the inspiration for this year’s competition. Over 500 entries were received this year. 

Amelia's entry was submitted by her DIS music teacher, Mrs. Milton.  

Amelia will be among the Top 100 finalists recognized on March 25 at Powell Hall.

After the Awards Ceremony, her artwork will go on display at Powell Hall (March 26 - March 29), the Saint Louis Art Museum (March 31 - April 12), and the Planetarium at the Saint Louis Science Center (April 12 - April 26). 
A young person proudly displays a colorful artwork featuring a violin, a tree, and a bird.