Seneca Valley art students bring home Gold and Silver awards

Three Seneca Valley students were recently announced as Gold Key winners in the 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, while 10 students took home the Silver Key and nine received Honorable Mentions.

Gold Key Winners include seniors Evan Heneghan, Hope Reep and Audrey Wolfe. Gold Key Recipients go on to be judged at the National Level in New York City. Seneca Valley Silver Key recipients include seniors Sophia Aprile, Carly Byrom, Charlotte Acosta, Paige DeStasio, Bella Gianfrancesco, Ashley Meeder, Kylee Puntureri and Audrey Wolfe, Madeline Zimmer and junior Adalay McLean.

Also, several students from Seneca Valley received Honorable Mentions for their entries including seniors Hannah Bennett, Carly Byrom, Sara Breeger, Paige DeStasio (two Honorable Mentions), Ashley Meeder (three Honorable Mentions), Madeline Zimmer (three Honorable Mentions); juniors Samiramiz Rogan, Adalay McLean; sophomore Anna Leggett.

“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 2026 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 and Writing Awards were held at Carnegie Mellon University’s Hall of Fine Arts & Kresge Theater on March 7. 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.