Kayla Kandou, a grade 9 student at Manado Independent School (MIS) who represented North Sulawesi Province, won the silver medal at the FLS2N (Festival Lomba Seni Siswa Nasional) National Level Illustration Competition on August 14-19, 2023 in Jakarta.
Kayla has been interested in painting since childhood, inspired by her sister Cathleen Kandou who is also a talented artist. Like her sister, she is passionate about the arts. Therefore, she practices drawing for at least an hour every day in order to master her skills.
In preparation for the national competition, Kayla practiced using a laptop and Wacom, and learned how to use various applications that she had never used before. Her beautiful illustrations caught the attention of the judges, and she won the silver medal.
Kayla is grateful for the support of her family, MIS, and her accompanying teacher, Ms. Ajeng Prasasti. She also encourages others to never give up on their dreams.
“We should not be discouraged by our own doubts, and we should not easily give up,” she said. “Never let negative comments break you apart from what you want to become in the future. Keep on thriving, keep moving forward, and reach your achievements.”
Meanwhile, the middle school principal of MIS, Sharon Lintuuran, is very proud of Kayla’s achievement. “On behalf of the Management of Manado Independent School and the Middle School teachers and staff, I would like to express my joy and pride of this achievement and thank her parents who have been very supportive of this activity, and her accompanying teacher, Ma’am Ajeng Prasasti, who has guided her,” she said. Congratulations! To God be the glory and honor.
