Middle and Upper Students Win 226 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

The Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognized more than 100 Seven Hills Middle and Upper School Students with 226 awards for their writing and artwork.

The Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition is one of the oldest and largest student competitions in the nation and more than 50 schools competed in the Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky Region.

“We are so proud of our creators and producers who were recognized in the Scholastic Awards,” Head of Upper School Rick Tate said. “It’s hard not to see the effects of media consumption on young people today, yet these 226 awards show the creation and production is alive and well at Seven Hills.”

In the writing competition, Seven Hills students won eight Gold Keys and 44 Silver Keys across various writing categories, including poetry, critical essay, flash fiction, short story, and personal essay. Gold Keys enter them into consideration for the national awards, across all categories.

Seven Hills received the most awards of any school in the region and greatly exceeded other area schools.

“I have the deepest respect for the students at Seven Hills and those across our region who had the guts to write something and then share it with the world to read. And I’m thrilled for all the Seven Hills writers who were recognized this year. Every recognition is a huge accomplishment,” Upper School English department chair Mark Beyreis said.

Middle School English teacher Laura Clemens voiced her pride for the work the Middle School writers have done this year in stories, poems, essays, and personal narratives.

“Since they practice those skills regularly, they are well-prepared for success in contests outside of our school community,” Clemens said.

Seven Hills’ 19 Gold Keys in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards were earned by (front row, left to right) freshman Hasika Avanigadda, sophomore Jackie Katuska, sophomore Irene Zhang, junior Lily Plum Gartenlaub, junior Grace Kennedy, (back row, left to right) junior Miles Rizor, eighth grader Angella Zong, eighth grader Sophia Liu, freshman Mia Wong, (not pictured) eighth grader Aly Trevino, sophomore Timothy Wang, and sophomore Sakshum Vij.

The writing Gold Keys were earned by eighth graders Sophia Liu and Aly Trevnio, freshman Mia Wang, sophomores Jackie Katuska and Sakshum Vij, and juniors Miles Rizor and Lily Plum Gartenlaub.

In the arts competition, eight students, including two Middle Schoolers, received 26 awards, earning 11 Gold Keys and six Silver Keys.

“Our students in the art program have really pushed themselves this year,” art teacher Daniel Vance said. “Their dedication is evident in every piece and reflects their commitment to artistic excellence.”

The art Gold Keys were won by Liu, eighth grader Angella Zong, freshman Hasika Avanigadda, sophomores Timothy Wang and Irene Zhang, and junior Grace Kennedy.

“Hats off to the Art Academy of Cincinnati for sponsoring the competition again this year. Their work is a wonderful gift to our community of young writers and artists,” Beyreis said.