Ten-year-old Dylan Martos, grandson of former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio, sailed on an actual war vessel as part of the grand prize which included $100 in savings bond.
“I’m very proud of that boy,” Tenorio told Variety.
According to the child’s mother, Dawnie Tenorio Martos, “The family was treated to a sail on the Californian on Sept. 27 during the Cabrillo Festival. It was a great experience for Martos to be on an actual sail and war ship with real firing cannons.
She said that she did not know how many entries were submitted, but the art contest was open to all fourth graders of San Diego.
Dylan Martos is a fourth grader at Vista Grande Elementary School.
Mrs. Martos said she always expects the best from her son
“But to beat out all of San Diego county, that was truly an accomplishment!” she said.
Her son, she added, has artistic abilities and his victory was a “fantastic experience” for them.
The child’s father Rod said that his son is also a great soccer player and an A student.
“But his artistic side surprised us. We are so proud of him,” he said.
He said his son started drawing while in kindergarten.
The art contest entries, including Dylan Martos’ winning work, were displayed at the Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center for the whole month of September.
The theme of the annual art contest and the festival was “Where Cultures Come Together and History Comes Alive.”
The Cabrillo Festival is one of the oldest cultural events in San Diego.
Dylan Martos was born in Hawaii but his family lived on Saipan until they left for the states in 2004.
He has two brothers — Darian, 12, Zackary, 2, and one sister Joyia, 5.
