The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, have recognized outstanding talent among students nationwide, showcasing their exceptional artistic achievements. Among the distinguished recipients, three students from CMS have been honored for their creative prowess.
Crystal Martinez, an eighth-grade student, garnered acclaim with her pieces "Devotion Beyond Human" and "Through Different Eyes," earning Gold Key and Honorable Mention respectively in the Digital Art category. Averi Groteluschen also received a Gold Key in the Mixed Media category for her piece titled "Deer." Additionally, Cyann Glenn was recognized with an Honorable Mention in the Ceramic Glass category for her work "Mother Nature."
These talented students will have their artwork prominently displayed at the Statewide Art Exhibition hosted at Omaha Public Schools' "TAC" building from March 3 to April 11, 2025. They, along with their proud parents, will receive invitations to attend a regional ceremony scheduled for March 8, 2025 (snow date: March 15, 2025).
Megan Graybill, CMS Art Teacher, praised the students' accomplishments, stating, “Visual arts are such an important part of everyone's lives whether we realize it or not. Visual arts teach students how to work with their hands, become problem solvers, and express themselves without words. I am so thankful for the opportunity of being able to honor our most talented artists at CMS via the annual Scholastic Art Awards. These students have shown exemplary dedication to the craft and have worked diligently in and out of school to hone their skills. The artworks they have created are so very deserving of the recognition. Not only do they exhibit immense talent, but each artwork shows immense creativity and tells a story.”
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a cornerstone initiative of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, celebrates creativity and provides a platform for young artists and writers to showcase their work. In 2024, the Awards attracted over 110,000 entries from teens across the United States and Canada, encompassing a diverse range of artistic and literary categories.
Jurors for the Awards, including esteemed figures from the visual and literary arts communities, evaluate submissions based solely on merit, disregarding factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, or hometown. The selection criteria emphasize originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision in each piece submitted.
For more information about the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, visit artandwriting.org.
About the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers: The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to identifying and recognizing students with exceptional artistic and literary talents. Through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the Alliance offers students opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships, nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.