Cedric Isaac: Silver Key for Sculpture, (Kearney Public School, Courtesy)
Sunrise Middle School is proud to announce that four of its students have been honored with prestigious Scholastic Art Awards at the state level, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, running since 1923, continues to be the most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12 in the United States, celebrating student achievement in the visual and literary arts.
Emma Payne led the group with a Gold Key award for her innovative modern sculpture made from toothpicks, demonstrating extraordinary creativity and skill. Her work, along with other Gold Key winners, will be forwarded to the national level of competition, representing the highest level of achievement in the program.
The awards received by Sunrise Middle School students are as follows:
- Emma Payne: Gold Key for Sculpture
- Cedric Isaac: Silver Key for Sculpture
- Emma Payne: Silver Key for Sculpture
- Lianna Sunblade: Honorable Mention in Ceramics & Glass
- Lillica Brethour: Honorable Mention in Sculpture
“Our students are truly talented,” stated Ana Rodriguez Trejo, Art Teacher at Sunrise Middle School. “I am super proud of them for the hard work that they do. It is an honor for them to be recognized at the State level for their talents. These awards are a testament to their creativity, innovation, and dedication to their artistic pursuits.”
The Scholastic Art Awards are decided without regard to the student’s gender, age, ethnicity, or hometown, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process. Jurors seek works that exemplify the Awards’ core values: originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Sunrise Middle School’s students’ recognition at this level speaks volumes about their commitment to these values.
All entries are first considered regionally, with award winners receiving Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention, American Voices Nominee, and American Visions Nominee awards. These awards are accompanied by celebration, ceremonies, and exhibitions in each region, providing students with the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements and to showcase their work to a wider audience.
Sunrise Middle School congratulates its students for their outstanding achievements and looks forward to their continued success in the arts.
