Congratulations to the seven RKYHS and JKHA students who have been named Northeast Regional winners in the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition. Five students won Gold Key awards while others won Silver Key and Honorable Mention for their writing. 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.”

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.