Amador’s artists and writers recently received the results from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, which many submitted to in the winter.
“I think since I spent so long working on these pieces and I’ve been doing art for so long, I wanted to get something out of it,” said Lily Yuan (‘27).
Submissions
Since 1923, the Scholastic Awards have fostered teenagers’ creative growth and development. Notable alumni include Stephen King, Carol Oates, and Andy Warhol.
“I heard about [the contest] through a few of my classmates. And we also have the same art teacher at an art studio,” said Yuan.
Students have the option to submit various styles of art and writing. Submission categories range from jewelry to science fiction to digital art. Some students submitted realism pieces, while others sought inspiration from the fantastical.
“I submitted a painting of this person that I found on Pinterest. And I tried to add my own twist by adding gummy bears,” said Aalia Singh (‘27).
When submitting, students represent a school or studio, provide descriptions of their pieces, and pay a $10 entry fee, amongst other requirements.
“There was a photographer that professionally took photos of each of my drawings and cropped it to make it fit the dimensions. And then I just kind of downloaded the images and digitally submitted them,” said Yuan.
Awards
Once the submission window closed in December, judges evaluated the pieces based on originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice. Alex Liu (‘28) and Singh won Gold Keys, whereas other students like Yuan won honorable mentions.
“I didn’t think I was going to win, so then I freaked out and Mrs. Ogle found out, so then she started showing it to the class, and it was kind of embarrassing, but like its recognition,” said Singh.
By submitting to the contest, students honed various skills like creativity, persistence, and determination. Others learned to push their limits and challenge possibilities.
“My art teacher thought that I couldn’t do it in this medium, but then I tried to prove him wrong, so I think if I have some sort of motivation that I can make something really good,” said Singh.
Julia Lu (‘27) thinks that even without the awards, there’s value in art and writing.
“I just like how freeing it is. I like that it’s just a nice break from usual studying and work. I’m gonna do whatever I want, because at some point, you realize I have so much power being an artist,” said Lu.
