Talented young artists from Roanoke County earn high honors in prestigious regional competition
Roanoke, Virginia – Students from Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS) have made an outstanding impact at this year’s Scholastic Art Competition, earning an impressive 68 awards and securing two of the five prestigious American Visions nominations. The Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley, which is hosting the exhibition, has recognized these talented young artists from across 23 counties and independent cities and towns, highlighting the remarkable artistic skills displayed by students in the region.
Top Honors and American Visions Nominees
Among the competition’s highest distinctions, two RCPS students were nominated for the American Visions Award, a prestigious honor given to the most exceptional pieces in the regional competition. The nominees are:
- Kendall Lecas (12), BCAT CVA
- Aliyah Yammy Williams (12), BCAT CVA
These students have demonstrated remarkable creativity and artistic expression, earning them a place among the most promising young artists in the region.
Additionally, Mahima Sethumadhavan, an eighth-grade student at Cave Spring Middle School, was recognized for the Outstanding Middle School Entry, further showcasing the artistic talent thriving within Roanoke County schools.
Gold Key Award Winners
The Gold Key is the highest honor given at the regional level, recognizing artwork that exhibits exceptional originality, technical skill, and personal vision. The following students from BCAT CVA received this top distinction:
- Jack Barbour
- Angelina Bowman
- Rayya Bryson
- Sophie Childers
- Mya Del Vecchio
- Elizabeth Hammed
- Avery Remines
- Meisha Robinson
- Reanna Sawyer
- Aliyah Yammy Williams
Gold Key winners automatically advance to national-level judging, where their artwork will compete for national medals and potential exhibition opportunities in New York City.
Silver Key Award Winners
The Silver Key Award acknowledges artistic excellence at the regional level. The following students received this prestigious recognition:
- Aidyn Alexander
- Angelina Bowman
- Nate Buck
- Aubrie Dodson
- Majoorie Gann
- Elena Morales
- Avery Remines
- Abbie Rice
- Reanna Sawyer
- Ashlynn Shabana
- Bri Spencer
- Olivia Taylor
- Aliyah Yammy Williams
- Jessika Zarobinski
These students demonstrated impressive technical skill and artistic creativity, making them stand out among their peers in the competition.
Honorable Mentions for Exceptional Work
Many other students received Honorable Mentions, recognizing their hard work, creativity, and dedication to their artistic craft. This distinction highlights their strong artistic potential and the quality of their submissions. The students honored with this award include:
- Aidyn Alexander
- Jack Barbour
- Mya Del Vecchio
- Aubrie Dodson
- Skylar Edwards (WBHS)
- Ellison Fulcher
- Saleen Garcia
- Bay Golden
- Elizabeth Hammed
- Abbie Haroulaki (WBHS)
- Camryn Hicks (WBHS)
- Hailey Hoyt
- Kendall Lecas
- Jackson Padgett
- Mason Ponting
- Fiona Ramey
- Jillian Rand
- Ellie Reid
- Meisha Robinson
- Reanna Sawyer
- Eesha Sethumadhavan (CSMS)
- Olivia Taylor
- Dixie Venable
- Mary Wissenger
Each of these students has showcased exceptional artistic ability and dedication, contributing to the overwhelming success of RCPS at this year’s Scholastic Art Competition.
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
The Scholastic Art Competition provides young artists with the opportunity to be recognized for their talent on both a regional and national stage. Roanoke County Public Schools has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to fostering creativity and supporting students as they develop their artistic skills.
The students’ success in this competition reflects not only their individual talents but also the dedication of RCPS art educators, who continue to inspire and guide young artists toward excellence.
With Gold Key winners moving on to national judging, there is still more excitement to come as RCPS students await the possibility of receiving national awards and additional recognition for their impressive achievements.
As this year’s Scholastic Art Competition unfolds, it is clear that RCPS students are among the most talented young artists in the region, setting a high standard for artistic expression and creative innovation.
