Photography students at VHS earn recognition in Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of the nation’s youth, and provided opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated. Each year, teens in grades 7–12 apply in 29 categories of art and writing across the country to the Scholastic Awards through local communities. In 2017, students submitted more than 330,000 works of art and writing to the Scholastic Awards.

This year, two Valencia High School (VHS) photography students have received regional recognition for their submissions.  This includes Kinjal Shah, 12, who received Honorable Mention for “Freedom,” and Zach Duran, 11, who received Honorable Mention for “Sweet Life” and a Gold Key award for “Mortal Man.”  “Mortal Man” will go on for consideration at the national level.

Submissions are juried by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, some of whom are past award recipients. Students receiving Gold Keys, Silver Keys, or Honorable Mentions are recognized and receive certificates. Gold Key works are then judged nationally by an impressive panel of creative–industry experts to receive National Medals, including Gold, Silver, American Visions & Voices, Portfolio Silver with Distinction or Portfolio Gold Medals and Special Awards. National Medalists are announced in May and recognized at the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.