Frenship High School student Isabelle Verastegui has been awarded a National Silver Key in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Her visual art piece, titled Elegance with Motion, was selected from more than 310,000 entries submitted by students across the United States.
Verastegui’s journey began in December at the Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Competition, where her piece won a Gold Key, the highest honor at the regional level. This distinction advanced her to the national round in New York City.
“There were approximately 1,500 pieces submitted to be juried. A small percentage are awarded a Gold or Silver Key,” said David Echols, Frenship High School Art Teacher.
Earning a National Silver Key places Isabelle among an elite group of young artists whose work has been recognized for its originality, technical skill, and personal voice.
“Based on the sheer volume and size of the competition, statistically it's hard to win at the National level,” said Echols. “That's not to mention the amount of amazing and talented artists who submit artworks. These are the best of the best in the entire country.”
Verastegui drew inspiration for Elegance with Motion from a previous student’s chair project and transformed it with her own vision.
Although judging at the national level was conducted remotely, the work will soon be on public display. Verastegui’s award-winning piece will be featured at the LHUCA IceHouse gallery tonight, Friday, April 5, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. as part of the First Friday Art Trail. A closing reception is also scheduled for Saturday, April 6, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. at the LHUCA Ice House.
This national award is a significant milestone for both Verastegui and the Frenship High School art program.
“It's a major award, which means it's a huge feather in the program's cap. This doesn't happen often, based on the size of the competition and volume of entries. Over 310,00 entries were submitted this year,” said Echols.
With this achievement, Verastegui joins the ranks of notable Scholastic Art & Writing Awards alumni such as Andy Warhol, Stephen King, Sylvia Plath, and Amanda Gorman.
“This award also gives the recipient more confidence knowing they share this award with famous and well-established artists who have gone on to achieve great things and who have had amazing careers in the arts," said Echols.
Echols noted that Frenship has had a handful of national winners over the past decade, and Verastegui’s success is a continued testament to the Frenship Art Program.
Amazing work, Isabelle Verastegui!
To learn more about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, visit artandwriting.org.