The prestigious National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition released its Northeast Regional winners. JKHA/RKYHS is proud to announce that 12 students from RKYHS and three JKHA middle school students earned Gold Key, Silver Key or Honorable Mention awards for their writing, photography and art submissions to the regional competition. All Gold and Silver Key winners’ work will continue on to the national contest, which will be evaluated and judged by world-renowned artists and writers in the coming months.

According to the organization, “established in 1923, The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s largest, longest-running, most prestigious visual and literary arts program recognizing accomplishments of students in grades 7—12. It is a symbol of excellence that can bolster resumes, college applications and scholarship applications. Winning a Scholastic Art & Writing Award also offers the opportunity for scholarships.”

Alumni of this prestigious award who earned the recognition and whose talent was first discovered in their middle and high school students include famous writers and artists today: Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Joyce Carol Oates, Richard Avedon, Truman Capote, Cy Twombly, John Updike, Stephen King, Zac Posen and Lena Dunham.

Mentored by the JKHA middle school and RKYHS faculty, the students were able to hone their skills while receiving guidance along the way. The students submitted work in such categories as Flash Fiction, Critical Essay, Science Fiction, Short Story and Poetry on a wide-range of topics.