Award-winning art and essays

Waldman Arts & Writing

Four rising sophomores from Seneca Valley Intermediate High School were recently recognized for their award-winning pieces at the 2024 Waldman Arts & Writing Competition, hosted by the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh.

To conclude the Holocaust unit in Ms. Michele Russo’s 10th grade English class, students completed a project focusing on rescue efforts during the Holocaust. Students showed their learning through poetry, writing an essay or producing 2-D or 3-D art. The top projects in each category were chosen as entries to represent Seneca Valley at the Waldman Arts & Writing Competition.

Paige DeStasio placed first in the 2-D art category with her artwork showcasing her research on the Bielski brothers and how they rescued Jewish people by hiding in the forests. Miss DeStasio was also named the grand prize winner of the overall competition.

John Eaton won in the 3-D art category for his 3-D model of Tadeusz Pankiewicz’s pharmacy. His model depicted how the pharmacist operated his store in the Nazi-occupied Krakow Ghetto while helping and saving countless Jews during the Holocaust.

Additionally, Mary Kokuashvili won the top prize for her essay and Landon Clark for his poem. Miss DeStasio and Mr. Eaton were also awarded monetary prizes and educational books.

The Waldman Arts & Writing awards ceremony took place on May 9, at Chatham University. This annual event allows students in grades 6-12 to compete for financial scholarships and winners are honored with prizes and certificates.