The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards opened on Sept. 1, 2023, for students to submit their creative works. Presented yearly by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, a nonprofit organization, the Scholastic Awards aim to recognize teens who are skilled in art and writing. The deadline to submit work will be on Dec. 15, 2023, at 2:02 a.m. 

At Southwest, Mr. Chad Petska encourages his students to apply for the awards in order to gain recognition for their work.

“For visual art students, they don’t get that opportunity as much,” Petska said. “I want them to get that recognition from more (people) than just me.”

The Scholastic Awards can also be a great opportunity to meet people with similar interests. Junior Ainsley LaHolt, who submitted art in 2022, enjoyed finding a community of creative people like herself.

“It was just really nice to get my work out there and to see other people,” LaHolt said. “I liked being able to find people who are artistic like me.”

LaHolt received a Gold Key Award for her work.

When students submit art or writing, they will be evaluated at the state-wide level. Exceptional works may earn a gold key, silver key or honorable mention. All students from grades 7-12 are invited to participate.