Ossining Students Win Prestigious Art & Writing Awards

Twelve talented students from Ossining High School have earned top honors in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious competitions for young artists and writers. These students received Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions for their outstanding photography, design, and fashion, bringing the district’s artistic achievements into the spotlight.

The students and their respective awards include:

• Nicholas Campoverde (11) – Gold Key, Photography
• Hoover Guzman (11) – Gold Key, Photography
• Haley Druskin (10) – Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention, Photography
• Elisa Suqui (10) – Gold Key, Photography
• Shanzay Khan (10) – Gold Key, Photography
• Andres Gallego Poguio (12) – Gold Key (x2), Photography
• Kaylah Carvalheiro (12) – Honorable Mention (x2), Design
• Alejandro Ordonez (12) – Honorable Mention (x2), Design
• Christopher Suqui (12) – Silver Key, Design
• Kyle Battacharia (10) – Gold Key, Photography
• Dylan Alter (12) – Honorable Mention, Design
• Celia Magalhaes (10) – Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention (x2), Fashion

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a nonprofit organization that identifies exceptional young talent and promotes their work to the world. These prestigious awards recognize originality, skill, and a unique personal voice. In 2024, more than 110,000 teens from across the U.S. and Canada submitted over 340,000 original works in 28 categories.

“We are incredibly proud of these students for their exceptional work and creativity,” said Ron Whitehead, Art Teacher at Ossining High School. “The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards offer one of the most respected platforms for young artists to showcase their talent, and these students have earned this recognition through their dedication to their craft and their passion for photography.”

Fellow art teachers Yoojin Lin and Adria Ingegneri echoed Mr. Whitehead’s pride and highlighted the importance of providing students with the opportunity to submit their work.

“I’m incredibly proud of my students for their dedication and creativity,” said Ms. Lin. “This process not only gives them the chance to showcase their talent, but also helps them grow as artists by embracing feedback and pushing their boundaries. Every piece tells a story, and I’m honored to support them as they make their mark in the world of art.”

“I’ve always encouraged my students to submit their pieces, not just for the possibility of awards, but for the growth that comes with sharing their art with a wider audience,” added Ms. Ingegneri. “I believe in my students' potential, and I am thrilled to see them take this step in their artistic journey.”

Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have celebrated the creative achievements of young artists and writers, with distinguished alumni such as Andy Warhol, Amanda Gorman, and Stephen King. This year, Ossining High School’s award-winning students will have their work showcased alongside other national finalists, providing them with invaluable opportunities for recognition, exhibition, and scholarships.

“These awards not only celebrate the individual talents of these students but also showcase the strength of the entire arts program here at Ossining High School,” said Kate Mathews, Director of Cultural Arts. “To have our students recognized alongside the esteemed alumni of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is an incredible achievement!”