Header Top

Eleven Scholastic honors spotlight depth of visual and media arts curriculum

Eleven Scholastic honors spotlight depth of visual and media arts curriculum

by Shannon Dufresne
 

Ursuline students earned 11 honors in the 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, including one Gold Key, four Silver Keys, and six Honorable Mentions, marking a notable showing in one of the nation's most respected programs recognizing creative achievement among young artists and writers.

Presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards celebrate originality, technical skill, and emerging creative voices across visual art and writing. This year's recipients include seniors from the Class of 2026 and one junior from the Class of 2027.

In the visual arts categories, senior Brigitta Tedeschi '26 received three separate awards for three distinct works. Senior Sienna Perez '26 earned recognition for a portfolio submission that reflects a cohesive body of work across disciplines, a distinction that honors sustained artistic development rather than a single piece. Senior Elizabeth LaScala '26 earned two awards, including a Gold Key in the journalism category for "Wild Inside.co," the highest regional distinction awarded by the program.

"Our students approach their work with discipline and imagination."
- Ms. Mary Quartaro '80, visual and media arts department chair

2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recipients (Listed alphabetically by last name)

Gabriella Gerardi ’26

  • “Held Together by Red,” Silver Key, Drawing (Prisma colored pencils, Faber-Castell kneaded eraser)

Ella Herspring ’26

  • “Lonely Eyes,” Honorable Mention, Painting (Acrylic paint, paint pens, watercolor)

Elizabeth LaScala '26

  • "Business Frogs," Silver Key, Illustration (Colored pencil, Fabric Paints, Canvas, Acrylic paints, Nail Polish, Lipstick, Eyeshadow, White-out, Coffee, Sharpie, Posca Pens, Love, Graphite)
  • "Wild Inside.co," Gold Key, Journalism

Victoria Leshi ’27

  • “Messy Room,” Silver Key, Drawing (Oil pastel)

Keira Palmer ’26

  • “Metallic Echoes,” Silver Key, Photography

Sienna Perez ’26

  • Portfolio titled “Social Threads,” Honorable Mention, including:
     
    • “Afternoon Market,” painting (Acrylic)
    • “The Seamstress,” mixed media (Ribbon, thread, watercolor paints, colored pencils)
    • “Let’s Eat!,” painting (Acrylic paint)
    • “Hair Day,” mixed media (Acrylic paints, beads, yarn)
    • “A Night of Jazz,” painting (Oil paints and turpentine)
    • “Breakfast,” film and animation (Watercolor paints, colored pencils, Toon Boom Harmony)

Brigitta Tedeschi ’26

  • “Assignment Due Yesterday,” Silver Key, Drawing (Colored pencil)
  • “Process, Not Perfection,” Honorable Mention, mixed media (Embroidery, cardboard, alcohol markers)
  • “The Weights of Light,” Honorable Mention, Drawing (Colored pencil)

Miah Zabala ’26

  • “Foundation,” Honorable Mention, Painting (Oil paint, linseed oil)

The award-winning works were created under the guidance of teachers Mr. David Rothenberg and Mrs. Deirdre Stones '96, and Visual & Media Arts Department Chair Ms. Mary Quartaro '80.

The breadth of media represented, from photography and oil painting to colored pencil, mixed media, animation, and portfolio presentation, reflects the depth of the Visual and Media Arts program. Students are challenged to think conceptually, refine their technique, and produce work that clearly and intentionally communicates perspective.

"Our students approach their work with discipline and imagination," said Department Chair Ms. Quartaro '80. "They are willing to revise carefully and push their ideas further. These recognitions reflect both their dedication and the seriousness with which they approach their craft."

As seniors prepare to graduate and younger artists continue developing their portfolios, this year's results point to a program grounded in rigor, experimentation, and sustained creative growth, qualities that continue to define the school's visual and media arts curriculum.

  • Arts
  • Visual & Media Arts

More Connections

Play and Pause Buttons for Slideshow