Art students bring home gold and silver awards

Seven Seneca Valley students were recently announced as Gold Key winners in the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, while 11 students took home the Silver Key and 31 received Honorable Mentions.

Gold Key Winners include seniors Ava Campagna, Anna Johnson, Arden Kiely, Kimberly Lahoz-Ruiz, Regan Ridenour, Morgan Taber and sophomore, Miles Bornes. Gold Key Recipients go on to be judged at the National Level in New York City. Seneca Valley Silver Key recipients include seniors Allison Alexander, Jonathan Allen, Emma Bedell, Mattie Berger, Miles Bornes, Veronica Grassell, Anna Johnson, Gretchen Kellar, Kimberly Lahoz-Ruiz, Alexis Neal and Massi Petitta.

Also, several students from Seneca Valley received Honorable Mentions for their entries including seniors Allison Alexander, Jonathan Allen, Emma Bedell (12 Honorable Mentions), Mattie Berger, Ella Butterfield, Peri Gaguzis, Marijose Garcia Rodriguez, Grace Hwang, Anna Johnson (three Honorable Mentions), Kimberly Lahoz-Ruiz (three Honorable Mentions), Madison Long, Jackson Magill, Karen Malloy, Em Morrissey, Alexis Neal, Massi Petitta (two Honorable Mentions), Reagan Porter, Kayla Rabinovitz, Regan Ridenour, Eddie Soderquist, Mya Stackhouse (two Honorable Mentions), Kelli Trimble, Paige Walko (two Honorable Mentions); juniors Dacie Bachman (two Honorable Mentions), Paige Baker, Carly Cravotta, Daniel Edwards, Hannah Smith (three Honorable Mentions); sophomore Miles Bornes (three Honorable Mentions), Jo Fernandez-Jenkins (five Honorable Mentions) and Scarlet Woolslare.

“Our art students are some of the most creative, passionate, and dedicated students in the region,” exclaimed Seneca Valley Senior High School Art Teacher Jason Woolslare. “The numerous awards and accomplishments that were earned at the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing exhibit demonstrates the passion and talent our students have in visual art.”

“I am in awe of our student’s talent, strength and creativity,” said Seneca Valley Senior High School Pottery and Ceramics Teacher Megan Bonistalli. “It takes bravery to submit personal work for evaluation amongst your peers, so I am always proud of all our Seneca Valley students who choose to enter such a giant competition. Their participation provides them with opportunities to learn about their artistic process, other types of art entered in the competition and how to move forward with feedback.”

Mr. Woolslare continued, “In addition, I am so grateful for Ms. Megan Bonistalli and her willingness to take the lead in coordinating the Scholastic Art show for the Pittsburgh region. It is a huge undertaking and provides an opportunity for thousands of students across the region to showcase their work in a juried exhibition.”

The regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were held at Carnegie Mellon University in the Hall of Arts on Feb. 25, 2023. This event has grown to be the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition initiation for creative teens, and the largest source of scholarships for young artists and writers. The Pittsburgh Arts Region encompasses all of Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties and is facilitated by the Seneca Valley School District, Pittsburgh Art Affiliate.