American Heritage is not only receiving recognition for its nationally-ranked math team or its football state champions this year, but, as usual, is making its name known for fine arts.
Seventy-two students from American Heritage won a total of 98 Scholastic Art & Writing awards, and attended the Alliance of Young Artists Scholastic Broward County Regional Awards Exhibition which celebrated their achievements at the Young at Art Museum in Davie. The museum hosted the event Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. and students who displayed their work in the exhibit received a pass for themselves and two for their guests to attend.
The Young at Art Museum featured Gold and Silver Key winners’ artwork in the Exhibition Hall Feb. 28 to March 16. The Gold Key winners later had their artwork forwarded to the national competition.
Some teachers required their students to enter artwork or photography in the contest. Photography teacher Mrs. Smith made each of her students enter at least one photograph.
“I got a Silver Key for a film photograph I submitted. I found out when my teacher told me in third hour and I couldn’t believe it. I was really excited,” said Sophomore Natalie Valdes.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards provides students a venue to display their artwork, writing and photography. The awards program, founded in 1923, has become the longest-running program for teenagers to display their work and win prizes. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards also awards the most scholarships for teen artists and writers nationwide, providing $250,000 annually to winners and their educators and more than 8 million dollars in scholarships from sponsors.
The national winners have their artwork displayed nationwide on a touring exhibition. Certain pieces of art and writing are also incorporated into publications such as “The National Catalog” and “Best Teen Writing” which are then distributed across the country to schools and libraries.