Students Honored at Scholastic Awards in NYC

(Left to right)
Susan Kendall, Anna Shokareva, Nathan Doherty, Hannah Clevenger, Susan Smith

Andrea Kohatsu '09 and Middle School students Hannah Clevenger, Nathan Doherty, and Anna Shokareva, along with their families, and teachers, Susan Kendall and Susan Smith, attended the Scholastic Arts and Writing celebrations, exhibits, and events in New York City on June 3-5, 2009.

Gold Award, Computer Art
Just Believe by Nathan Doherty

Honored on stage at Carnegie Hall, Nathan Doherty won a Gold Award for Computer Art, Andrea Kohatsu won a Silver Award for Graphic Design, and Hannah Clevenger and Anna Shokareva won Silver Awards for Computer Art. Susan Kendall was presented a Gold Medal in recognition for her role as a teacher and mentor.

The three judges were sculptor Tom Otterness, painter Philip Pearlstein, and Wendy Woon, the Deputy Director of MOMA. They looked for works that best exemplify originality, technical proficiency, and the emergence of an authentic voice and vision.

Silver Award, Computer Art
Future Veterans by Hannah Clevenger

The students' work was showcased at various locations around New York City including the World Monuments Fund Gallery, Parsons Aronson Gallery at the New School for Design, and the Scholastic Headquarters.

Teachers and students also attended a series of workshops, where they learned about creative careers from New York City art professionals such as studio artists, literary agents, designers at major corporations, directors of art galleries, and other NYC cultural leaders and organizations. Designer Zac Posen discussed his fashion design work, writers and artists welcomed award recipients at publications such as the New Yorker Magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, and DC Comics. Gallery tours and visits to artist studios were also offered.

Silver Award, Graphic Design
A Day in the Life of a Human by Andrea Kohatsu

"It is important to acknowledge visual literacy, to celebrate that part of the child, which is integral to the education of the student," said Susan Kendall. "Creative thinking and problem solving are essential and exceedingly sought after in the world today. It is a long standing belief in education and reflects the mission of our school."

Susan Smith remembers winning a Scholastic Award as a teenager, "The award was definitely a motivational factor in my life. Our students have now joined a committed community dedicated to supporting young artists. The goal is that the students will stay engaged, nurture their creativity, and inspire those around them to artistic and academic excellence."

Silver Award, Computer Art
Arguing with Myself by Anna Shokareva

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers encourages and recognizes emerging teenage artists and writers. Each year, students in 7-12 grades submit their creative work for professional assessment. Two Upper School students and eleven Lower School students won Gold Key Awards, which placed their work in the national competition for the Gold and Silver Awards.

Congratulations to all our talented artists!