This year’s winner is Cameron Brown from Beulah High School in Beulah, North Dakota. Brown has been a strong supporter of Celebrate the West. Each year of the competition, several of his students have participated and been selected as North Dakota State Finalists. In recognition of his efforts, he will receive an award of $300 to support his art program.

Growing up in Montana, art was passed down from generation to generation in Brown’s family; his grandfather, father, uncle, brother, and cousin are all artists. From a young age he had the desire and passion to create and was inspired by his Third Grade teacher to become a teacher himself.

Brown has been teaching art at Beulah Public Schools for the past 10 years. Over the years, he has expanded the art course offerings from three courses to six across grades 7-12. Five years ago Brown and his students formed an Art Club, which has been active in the community, creating murals in schools and local businesses.

He also coaches Track and Field for the Beulah Miners. “I am truly blessed,” he says, “to be able to have the opportunity to teach two of my passions, art and track.”

Brown and his wife Savannah have been married for 12 years. They have three daughters: Zoey (8), Ella (6) and Letty (3), all aspiring artists themselves.

The Western Governors’ Foundation thanks Cameron Brown for all he is doing to teach and inspire young artists, and for his strong support of Celebrate the West.

WATCH: Slideshow of 2020 Celebrate the West state finalists

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