Burton Center students earn national recognition and local honors for outstanding artistic achievements
Roanoke, Virginia – Students at the Center for Visual Arts at the Burton Center for Arts & Technology are gaining attention far beyond their classrooms, earning recognition both nationally and within their own community. Their recent achievements show a strong mix of creativity, effort, and growing skill that is placing them among some of the most promising young artists in the country.
Their latest success comes from the Scholastic Art Awards, a long-standing national program that has recognized young creative talent since 1923. Organized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the competition draws thousands of entries each year, making it one of the most respected honors for student artists.
National recognition highlights rising talent
At the regional level, coordinated by the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley, more than 400 student works were submitted from across Southwest Virginia. Only a select group of entries earn Gold Key status and move forward to national judging. From there, only about 30 percent of those entries receive national medals, making any recognition a major accomplishment.
Three Burton Center students reached this high level and earned national Silver Medals. Nate Buck was recognized for his piece A Hearty Meal in illustration, Sunday Dhane received honors for Suffocation, also in illustration, and Meisha Robinson was awarded for Bloom in the category of digital painting, drawing, and collage.
Their work will now be featured in a national exhibition scheduled for June in New York City. The event will conclude with a ceremony at Carnegie Hall, offering these students a rare and meaningful opportunity to see their work displayed on a national stage.
Local success adds to growing momentum
While national awards bring wide attention, these students are also leaving a strong impression within their local community. At the recent Best in Show event hosted by the Roanoke Valley SPCA, several students from the Center for Visual Arts received top honors.
Among the awards earned were Best High School Entry, the Playtime Award, Staff Favorite, and even a tie for the People’s Choice Award. In addition, many students were recognized with a “Round of A-Paws,” celebrating creativity and expression in their work.
These combined achievements show not only technical skill but also a strong connection to the community. From national exhibitions to local showcases, Burton Center students are proving that their artistic voices carry weight both near and far.
