Southwest Virginia Teen Artists Earn National Acclaim

Five students from the region receive top honors in prestigious Scholastic Art Awards

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:37pm

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A bold, abstract composition of jagged geometric shapes and stark black silhouettes in high-contrast red and white, conceptually representing the creative energy and artistic achievements of young regional talent.The national recognition of these young Southwest Virginia artists celebrates the region's thriving arts community and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent.New River Today

Five teen artists from Southwest Virginia were recognized with national awards at the Scholastic Art Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious competition for young artists in the country. The students, representing schools across the region, received Gold and Silver Medals as well as the American Visions Award for their exceptional paintings, ceramics, and expanded projects.

Why it matters

The Scholastic Art Awards are a highly competitive national program that celebrates the creativity and talent of young artists across the United States. For five students from the Southwest Virginia region to be selected for top honors is a remarkable achievement that showcases the thriving arts community and educational opportunities available to teens in this part of the state.

The details

More than 400 entries were submitted from the Southwest Virginia region for the Scholastic Art Awards this year. All high school artists who received a Gold Key at the regional level advanced to the national competition, where they competed for Silver or Gold Medals. One student from each region was also awarded the prestigious American Visions Medal.

  • The Scholastic Art Awards program has been running since 1923.
  • The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley has been the official regional affiliate for Southwest Virginia for nearly 20 years.

The players

Aliyah (Yammy) Williams

A student at Burton Center For Arts & Tech in Salem, she received a Gold Medal and the American Visions Medal for her painting 'Missing What Once Was'.

Mary Clarke

A student at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, she received a Gold Medal for her painting 'Essence de Mary'.

Rachael Turnbull

A student at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, she received a Gold Medal for her ceramics and glass work 'Six'.

Lily Ebrahimi

A student at Community High School of Arts and Academics in Roanoke, she received a Silver Medal for her painting 'The Last of The Cherry Tomatoes'.

Sky Standley

A student at Blacksburg High School, she received a Silver Medal for her expanded project 'Sleepys'.

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What they’re saying

“The Scholastic Art Awards are a highly prestigious national competition that celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of young artists across the country. We are so proud that five students from the Southwest Virginia region were recognized with top honors this year.”

— Spokesperson, Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley

What’s next

The winning teen artists will be showcased at an awards ceremony and reception in New York City, and their award-winning artwork will also be featured in national traveling exhibits.

The takeaway

The success of these five Southwest Virginia students in the Scholastic Art Awards demonstrates the thriving arts education programs and creative talent present in the region's high schools. This recognition will inspire other young artists to pursue their passions and showcase their work on a national stage.