Published On: February 4th, 2018By

30 Aldine ISD Middle and High School Students Earn 33 Honors in 2018 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The competition recognizes the vision, ingenuity and talent of young artists and celebrates creative teens.
Aldine-ISD-Grantham-Acad-Mary-Gonzales-Tranquility-Reg-2018-Gold-Key-Small

Mary Gonzales’ work titled “Tranquility” received a Gold Key at the 2018 regional competition.


Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) recently announced the teens for 2018 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Recipients join the ranks with iconic writers and artists Sylvia Plath, Robert Redford, Truman Capote, Andy Warhol and Richard Avedon, who all earned awards as Scholastic Art & Writing awards as teens.

A record 6,225 Harris County entries were judged in the prestigious competition. Twenty-one school districts, two charter schools and 16 private schools are represented as students earn Gold Key, Silver Key and honorable mention awards.

Superintendent-for-HCDE-1

James Colbert Jr.

We are grateful for the supporters of Scholastic Art & Writing in Harris Countyfrom the community supporters who offer space to showcase art and writing and to the companies who offer student scholarships to the hundreds of judges who volunteer their time,” said HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. “There is a deep well of artistic talent represented, and we are proud to host, showcase and support this iconic program.”

The highest-rated pieces move on to national judging to be considered for Gold and Silver Medals, which are announced in March and awarded in June through a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Students submitted their work through the 531 teachers who support and participate in HCDE’s regional competition. Each year, several hundred volunteer art and writing professionals judge the submissions.

Gold Keys Represent the Top 5 Percent of Entries

Harris County students earned 1,696 Gold Key, Silver Key and honorable mention awards. Through the art categories, students gained 321 Gold Keys, 423 Silver Keys, and 374 honorable mentions. In the writing categories, students earned 95 Gold Keys, 143 Silver Keys, and 340 honorable mentions. 

AISD Students Fared Well in the Competition

In the regional level of the competition, Aldine ISD had six students earn Gold Keys. A total of 16 students earned 17 awards. And 10 students earned Honorable Mention for their artwork. 

Student artists have few opportunities for public recognition. However, through this event, the works of Harris County youth are presented to a broad audience in professional gallery exhibits complete with “Meet the Artists” reception and awards ceremonies.

Dr. Michaelann Kelley, director of visual arts, is ecstatic for the students. And while Kelley is crossing her fingers about the national awards, she hopes the students bask in their success at the regional event.

Michaelann-Kelley-TAEA-Award-2

Dr. Michaelann Kelley

Our talented students are driven and it shows in their work,” Kelley said. “Their art teachers and I are overjoyed to have their artwork acknowledged by such a prestigious art competition as Scholastic. These young artists should be proud of their achievement.”

Kelley added that all of the art teachers are very aware of the competition’s deadlines. They periodically look at artwork the students have done and always have that in the back of their mind that that might be a good piece for Scholastic. When the deadline comes up, they talk to students about entering their work.


Regional Gold & Silver Key Art Award Recipient Events

March 1-22

— Grades 9-12: Gold Key Exhibit at Galleria

— Grades 7 & 8: Silver Key Exhibit at Texas Art Supply

March 20 

Grades 9-12: Gold & Silver Ceremony @ Ballroom at Bayou Place from 7 – 8:30 p.m.

March 27-April 1

Grades 7 &8: Gold & Silver Key Art Exhibit @ Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH)

March 29

Grades 7 & 8: Gold and Silver Key Artist Reception @ MATCH @ 4:30 p.m.

March 29

Grades 7 & 8: Regional Gold & Silver Key Ceremonies @ (MATCH)

— Silver Key Art & Writing Ceremony from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

— Gold Key Art & Writing Ceremony from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

(Note: All dates are subject to change. Your child’s art teacher will notify you of any changes.)

scholastic-art-and-writing-awardsWe are equally proud of our alumni who have gone on to excel outside the arts. Our goal at the Alliance is to encourage teens to believe in themselves, no matter where their interests may take them. — Scholastic Art & Writing Awards


About Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Last year, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running (since 1923) and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12, received a record-breaking 330,000 works of art and writing adjudication from regional affiliates, including HCDE. Students can submit creative and original work in any of the 29 art and writing categories, including architecture, painting, poetry and video game design.

This program gives thousands of students throughout the U.S. the opportunity to broaden their creative horizons while earning local and national recognition. The objective is to foster the confidence of young artists and give them the opportunity to be recognized for their creative achievements by the national stage. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers also partners with art institutes, colleges, and universities to earmark scholarships for college-bound Scholastic Art recipients.

Scholastic-Art-and-Writing-Awards-McEnerney-Virginia-1

Virginia McEnerney

Weve learned over the years that for many teenagers having their creative work recognized while still in school is the impetus they need to be lifelong creators, makers and leaders,” said Virginia McEnerney, executive director of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. “Encouraging teens to utilize art and writing to express their hopes, dreams and questions about the world has multiple and meaningful benefits. The collective output of these young innovators creates a portrait in time of our American identity and, for the teens, it reinforces the positive habits that come from creative selfexpression.”

Visit the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards website to learn more about the competition, its history, involvement of creative industry experts and famous alumni.

Congratulations! And good luck to those advancing to the national competition!

Regional Scholastic Art Award Recipients

Gold Key Awards
Aldine-ISD-Carver-HS-Barbara-Villarreal-Regional-2018-Gold-Key-VASE-T-Shirt-Design

VASE T-shirt Design by Barbara Villarreal

Carver HS (Magnet School)

Student: Noelani Rodríguez*
Artwork: Unity
Category: Photography
Teacher: Matthew Kirkpatrick

Student: Barbara Villarreal
Artwork: VASE T-shirt Design
Category: Design
Teacher: Matthew Kirkpatrick

Drew Academy (Magnet School)

Student: Graciela Padrón*
Artwork: Sippin’ Straws
Category: Photography
Teacher: Allison Hamacher

Grantham Academy (Magnet School)

Student: Mary Gonzales
Artwork: Tranquility
Category: Photography
Teacher: Óscar Medina 

Nimitz HS

Student: Isabel Martínez
Artwork: Succ-cute-lent
Category: Painting
Teacher: Leslie Rowney

Student: Héctor Torres
Artwork: Fortune Teller
Category: Drawing & Illustration
Teacher: Leslie Rowney

Silver Key Awards
Aldine-ISD-Carver-HS-Noelani-Rodriguez-Unity-Carver-Regional-2018-Scholastic-Art-Gold-Key

“Unity” by Noelani Rodríguez

Aldine HS

Student: Joel Sarmientos
Artwork: Blind Future
Category: Photography
Teacher: Birgit Langhammer

Student: Jesús Vásquez
Artwork: Me, Myself and I
Category: Printmaking
Teacher: Monica Thayer

Carver HS (Magnet School)

Student: Clarissa Chávez
Artwork: Golden Age
Category: Photography
Teacher: Matthew Kirkpatrick

Student: Daphne López
Artwork: Conceptual T-shirt Design
Category: Design
Teacher: Matthew Kirkpatrick

Student: Sherall M. García
Artwork: Silence and Serenity
Category: Photography
Teacher: Matthew Kirkpatrick

Student: Autumn Zepeda
Artwork: Speech & Debate Concept Logo
Category: Design
Teacher: Matthew Kirkpatrick

Drew Academy (Magnet School)

Student: Laura Arevalo
Artwork: Silver Twig
Category: Photography
Teacher: Allison Hamacher

Student: Miranda Mújica
Artwork: The Wall
Category: Photography
Teacher: Allison Hamacher

Aldine-ISD-Nimitz-HS-Hector-Torres-Regional-2018-Scholastic-Art-Gold-Key-Fortune-Teller

“Fortune Teller” by Héctor Torres

Student: Graciela Padrón*
Artwork: Mannequin
Category: Photography
Teacher: Allison Hamacher

Student: Graciela Padrón*
Artwork: Shopping for a Cart
Category: Photography
Teacher: Allison Hamacher

Student: Saúl Sánchez
Artwork: Influence
Category: Photography
Teacher: Allison Hamacher

Grantham Academy (Magnet School)

Student: Jacqueline de la Garza
Artwork: Safe Refuge
Category: Photography
Teacher: Óscar Medina

Hoffman MS (IB World School)

Student: Francisco Álvarez
Artwork: Awakening
Category: Photography
Teacher: Terrence Clark

Student: Jennifer González
Artwork: Bloom
Category: Drawing & Illustration
Teacher: Terrence Clark

Lewis MS

Student: Viko Salas
Artwork: Outside
Category: Comic Art
Teacher: Catherine Woodin

MacArthur HS

Student: Jessica Rodríguez
Artwork: The Curious Dog
Category: Drawing & Illustration
Teacher: James Voss

Victory Early College HS

Aldine-ISD-Drew-Academy-Graceila-Padron-Regional-2018-Scholastic-Art-Gold-Key-Sippin-Straws

“Sippin’n Straws” by Graciela Padrón

Student: Alexa Marmolejo
Artwork: Lost
Category: Photography
Teacher: Tommie Sanders

Honorable Mention

Aldine HS

Student: Raúl Rodríguez
Artwork: Tuesday Afternoon
Category: Drawing & Illustration
Teacher: Birgit Langhammer

Student: Maurion Williams
Artwork: Illusion
Category: Drawing & Illustration
Teacher: Birgit Langhammer

Carver HS (Magnet School)

Student: Mónica Coronado
Artwork: Gorm Study
Category: Art Portfolio
Teacher: Matthew Kirkpatrick

Student: Juana García
Artwork: Love Yourself
Category: Photography
Teacher: Laura Luna

Student: Noelani Rodríguez*
Artwork: Line Study
Category: Mixed Media
Teacher: Matthew Kirkpatrick

Davis Ninth Grade School

Student: Ángel Salgado
Artwork: Light Up the Night
Category: Mixed Media
Teacher: Christopher Peel

Davis HS

Student: Aaron Ward
Artwork: Free Spirit
Category: Mixed Media
Teacher: Marilyn Venne

Hoffman MS (IB World School)

Aldine-ISD-Nimitz-HS-Isabel-Martinez-Regional-2018-Scholastic-Art-Gold-Key-Succ-cute-lent

“Succ-cute-lent” by Isabel Martínez

Student: Ronnie Calais
Artwork: Deep Thoughts
Category: Drawing & Illustration
Teacher: Terrence Clark

Nimitz HS

Student: Paola Gómez
Artwork: Neon Shadows
Category: Photography
Teacher: Leslie Rowney

Stovall MS

Student: Gesamani Flores
Artwork: One’s Special Feelings
Category: Sculpture
Teacher: Cherri Collins

[Names and information provided by campuses. Students with an asterisk (*) earned more than one honor.]
Aldine-ISD-Aldine-HS-Jesus-Vasquez-Me-Myself-and-I-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Me, Myself and I” by Jesús Vásquez

Aldine-ISD-Drew-Academy-Graciela-Padron-Cart-Shopping-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Cart Shopping” by Graciela Padrón

Aldine-ISD-Drew-Academy-Miranda-Mujica-The-Wall-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“The Wall” by Miranda Mújica

Aldine-ISD-MacArthur-HS-Jessica-Rodriguez-The-Curious-Dog-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“The Curious Dog” by Jessica Rodríguez

Aldine-ISD-Hoffman-MS-Jennifer-Gonzalez-Bloom-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Bloom” by Jennifer González

Aldine-ISD-Lewis-MS-Viko-Salas-Outside-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Outside” by Viko Salas

Aldine-ISD-Aldine-HS-Joel-Sarmientos-Blind-Future-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Blind Future” by Joel Sarmientos

Aldine-ISD-Carver-HS-Autumn-Zepeda-Speech-n-Debate-Concept-Logo-Carver-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

Speech and Debate Concept Logo by Autumn Zepeda

Aldine-ISD-Carver-HS-Clarissa-Chavez-Golden-Age-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Golden Age” by Clarissa Chávez

Aldine-ISD-Carver-HS-Daphne-Lopez-Concept-Tshirt-Design-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

Concept T-Shirt for VASE by Daphne López

Aldine-ISD-Carver-HS-Sherall-M-Garcia-Silence-and-Serenity-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Silence and Serenity” by Sherall M. García

Aldine-ISD-Drew-Academy-Graciela-Padron-Mannequin-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Mannequin” by Graciela Padrón

Aldine-ISD-Drew-Academy-Laura-Arevalo-Twigs-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Twigs” by Laura Arevalo

Aldine-ISD-Drew-Academy-Saul-Sanchez-Influence-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Influence” by Saúl Sánchez

Aldine-ISD-Grantham-Academy-Jacqueline-de-la-Safe-Haven-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Safe Haven” by Jacqueline de la Garza

Aldine-ISD-Hoffman-MS-Francisco-Alvarez-Awakening-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Awakening” by Francisco Álvarez

Aldine-ISD-Victory-ECHS-Alexa-Marmolejo-Lost-Reg-2018-Scholastic-Art-Silver-Key

“Lost” by Alexa Marmolejo



Region Contest Winners From Previous Years

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

About the Author: Leticia Fehling

Director of Internal Communications