Set on the Pedestal: BHS Art Students Honored at the Scholastic Arts Contest

   by Sidney Mao Our BHS community’s art students have worked long and hard before and during the December break to complete their submissions for the Scholastic Arts Competition. This is an art (and writing) competition designed to encourage the spirit of the arts in students across the United States. Students submit their best high quality pieces of art from different mediums including pencil drawings, paintings, sculptures, photos, etc. The competition is open to all American schools from grades 7-12. There are limited submissions per school and all works are sent to be judged at a regional level. At this level, contestants will be judged and can be awarded Honorable Mention, Silver Keys, or Gold Keys. A Gold Key grants the contestant a chance  to participate at the national level. From there, if the contestant is lucky, their piece will be exhibited in various museums across the country and they can receive grants or scholarships to art schools. This year, over 140 schools participated in the contest with over 1700 selected total entries in the regional level. 296 pieces have earned Honorable Mention awards, 155 were given Silver keys, and 212 pieces received Gold Keys, the highest recognition; of those, 88 were Gold Key portfolio submissions. From our school, 16 pieces have been chosen out of 25 submissions to enter at the regional level. It was a difficult decision, as our school fosters such talented and gifted students. Of the 16 entries, three of our school’s students have been recognized for their talents and efforts. Delaram Takyar, senior, received honorable mention for her drawing submission. Jessica Parker, sophomore, received a Silver Key for her works of photography. Finally, Grace Hager, senior, received a Gold Key for her art portfolio submission. Grace’s artwork has now been entered into the national level. “I think she’s got a good chance nationally,” says Ms. Paskiewicz, the coordinator of the contest at BHS. “It confirms her ability. We already know she’s great. We wish her luck on the national level.” We congratulate all the students who have put time and effort into expressing themselves through their preferred mediums. Art is not a simple thing as it seems. It takes effort, energy, patience, time, creativity, and inspiration. The art department and faculty should also be thanked for  their support, encouragement, and teachings that give students the confidence and spirit to work. The BHS C-Wing has always had a reputation for having talented students shine in the spotlight, and we are proud to maintain that.