Each year, the Alliance partners with more than 100 visual arts and literary arts organizations across the country to bring the Scholastic Awards to local communities. Teens in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up) apply in 29 categories of art and writing. Submissions are juried by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, some of whom are past award recipients. Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

Award notifications are in and 2025 is another record year with 4 Art Portfolios, 1 American Visions Nominee, 12 Gold Keys, 12 Silver Keys, 29 Honorable Mentions, and 3 Honorable Mentions for Writing! Congratulations to these very talented OHHS Art and Design students on their accomplishments this year in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Art Portfolio

This highly competitive category is based upon submission of a series of 6 distinct works that communicate a single cohesive idea or visual investigation and accompanying artist statement. 

Lydia Wilson, “Self-Reflection”
Honorable Mention

Gold Key Winners

Below are the works that earned Gold Keys, the highest level of achievement on the regional level. Approximately 7 – 10% of all regional submissions are recognized with Gold Key Awards and all are considered for national-level recognition.

Danielle Amlin, “Closet Chaos”
Maria Ariviillaga Munoz, “The Light Within”
Josie Auciello, “Stark”
Kylie Hall, “Bridge to Nowhere”
Chloe Kelley, “A Prayer for Myself”
Baylee Moorman, “The Collection”
Roman Ruthven, “Beclowned”
Sophia Wehman, “Intrusive Shock”

Silver Key Winners

Approximately 10 – 15% of all regional submissions are recognized with Silver Key Awards.

Kylie Hall, “The Reality of Future Trees”
Breanna O’Pry-Rice, “Leigha”
Breanna O’Pry-Rice, “Moonbeams and Fairytales”
Brailee Schulz, “Waiting for Inspiration”
Lydia Wilson, “Goodnight Fugglers”

Honorable Mentions

Approximately 15 – 20% of all regional submissions receive Honorable Mention Awards.

Leigha Aday, “Recycled Wear”
Kacey Brigger, “Time to Reflect”
Miles Frisch, “Over Easy”
Chloe Kelley, “Ophelia’s Butterflies”
Nathan Niehaus, “Reflections of Mortality”
Sophia Wehman, “Liking the Look of Color Coding”
Ava Wilson, “Floral Skirt”

An Exhibition of the award winning works will take place at the Art Academy of Cincinnati from February 7 – February 22, 2026 with an Opening Reception scheduled for Friday, February 6, 206 5pm-8pm.