Miranda Dyson, Children’s Education Associate
Many artists relate to the feeling of nervous excitement that follows entering work in a juried show. When the effort of sharing a personal vision and voice results in an award, it feels like someone shouting, “Yes! Your work made a lasting, meaningful impact. Keep going!” This recognition inspires future creativity and expression, especially for artists at the beginning of their creative journey. For some of the students who entered the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, 2025, this was the first time their work was publicly acknowledged and put on display. This spring, galleries across the nation exhibited works from regional student winners, showing the variety of materials and subject matter students are passionate about.
Here at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, we were honored to once again host as a Regional Affiliate Partner for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards! Our judges—teachers, professional writers and artists, and art enthusiasts—were moved by the submissions of students in grades 7-12 from across Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio.
During our awards ceremony, we celebrated the work of over 500 students who were acknowledged with Honorable Mentions, Silver Keys, and Gold Keys. These works have been on display at FWMoA and have been a source of inspiration, especially for touring school groups as they engaged with their peers’ art. The Scholastic Awards Exhibition closes on April 6th, but you can read about a few highlighted works here, from our Associate Curator of Exhibitions. You can also visit this link to purchase a collection of writings from the 2025 Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio writing award winners.
Last week was one of anticipation, as we awaited the final round of adjudication that takes place in New York City. Those who received Gold Keys qualified for judging with the hopes of receiving further acknowledgement. We are happy to announce that 23 National Silver, Gold, American Visions, and American Voices Medals have been given to our regional students!
The ability to share a story, highlight technique, and capture an observer’s attention, all contributed to the judges decisions. National judges of previous years have included, Willie Cole, Judy Blume, David Sedaris, and Mickalene Thomas.
While the focus of creating art is not only on receiving public awards, it can be a great affirmation and motivator for artists and writers to receive recognition. Many alumni of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards confirm the validation and encouragement they felt as students. It was a pleasure to see the works of all the artists who entered and we’re looking forward to the next collection of art our students bring!
Congratulations to our participants and award winners!
National Award Winners, 2025
Lorena Arimori
Tayten Barlow
Amelia Canales
Lilly Carlin
Brooklynn Deane*
Eve Evans
Josephine Gosheff
Katie Ma
Addi Noll
Julianne Ounsombath*
Thiran Padmalingam
Sami Piatt*
Cuauhtzin Quintana
Indy Schmanski
Zidon Spradling
Melissa Tan
Summer Waibel
Abigail Walker
Shyla Watson
Iris Weisstein
*These students received multiple national awards.
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