Keeping in step with the tradition of using local talent in promotions of La Grange, the Best Little Cowboy Gathering is proud to announce that the artwork by Rebekah Zatopek, former LISD student, will be showcased in the promotions of the upcoming annual event to be held March 12^th and 13^th in La Grange at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

 Rebekah Zatopek, daughter of Dr. David and Cindy Zatopek, granddaughter to Elizabeth and the late Dr. Leland Zatopek MD, Joe Kallus and the late Rita Grady of Houston, has lived her entire life in La Grange and is a 2009 LISD graduate. Rebekah’s interest in art was vitalized by local artists and teachers, Kimberly Neuendorff and Ronda von Minden-Nietsche. Her Houston Livestock Show award-winning piece is entitled “Side Saddle” and was inspired by a photograph taken by another student. Rebekah presently attends Texas State University in San Marcos where she is majoring in PreDentistry and plans a future in Dental Hygiene.

States Ronda von Minden-Nietsche, Art Teacher at LISD for grades 9-12, “As a teacher I try to guide and encourage students learning to plan productive classroom lessons and diagnose student’s problems. Along with my particular teaching philosophy, I believe in my students and the moment a student is enrolled in my class, I believe in their creativeness. Rebekah Zatopek was one of those students.” Ronda will be retiring this year from her teaching position and proudly claims numerous awards at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo including Arts Super Show Award in 1998 and 2000-2009, Art Super Show Hall of Fame 2004-2009, Class champion in 2008 and 2009, and Grand Champion in 1998.

 For more information on the Best Little Cowboy Gathering to be held in La Grange on March 12^th & 13^th, visit www.bestlittlecowboygathering.org  or contact Jon Quinn at [email protected].