By: Kody Hanor
The 2026 Scholastic Art Awards Opening Reception was held on February 6 at the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania, welcoming students, teachers, families, and friends from 6 to 8 pm. The evening celebrated outstanding student artists from across Northeast Pennsylvania whose artistic work earned the prestigious Gold Key or American Vision awards.
The Scholastic Art Awards are the nation’s longest running and most respected recognition program for creative and artistic teenagers. A Gold Key represents the highest level of regional achievement, awarded to works that demonstrate exceptional originality, technical skill, and personal voice. Gold Key recipients’ pieces advance to the national level of judging, placing students among the top young artists in the country.
The American Vision Award is a special distinction selected from the Gold Key works. It honors a piece that embodies a unique artistic vision or innovative perspective, pushing boundaries in concept or execution. This award highlights creativity that stands out even among the highest-scoring submissions.
At the Everhart Museum, student artwork was displayed in dedicated sections with its own galleries, allowing each piece to be viewed in a professional, museum-quality setting. The thoughtful layout gave every artist space for their work to shine, reinforcing the importance of youth voices in art.
During the reception, award winners were recognized and presented with a commemorative gold pin and a certificate honoring their achievements. The event not only celebrated artistic excellence but also underscored the vital role of arts education in inspiring the next generation of creative leaders.
American Visions Award
- Kody Hanor, Ceramics — Teacher: Mr. Hamill
Gold Key Awards
- Kody Hanor, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Amelia Porcelli, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Jaslene Toro, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Julianna Williams, Drawing — Ms. Peet
Silver Key Awards
- Jake Callanan, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Jonathan Fluhr, Painting — Ms. Peet
- Nicholas Graham, Drawing — Ms. Peet
- Ava Jensen, Drawing — Ms. Peet
- Kaylana Mejias, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Kaz Shick, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
Honorable Mentions
- Owen Edwards, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Jonathan Fluhr, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Nicholas Graham, Drawing/Painting (x5) — Ms. Peet
- Kody Hanor, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Ava Jensen, Painting (x2) — Ms. Peet
- Anthony Lin, Drawing — Ms. Peet
- Liana Lucchese, Painting/Drawing (x2) — Ms. Peet
- Liana Lucchese, Printmaking — Mr. Hamill
- Kaylana Mejias, Ceramics — Mr. Hamill
- Leigha Smith, Sculpture — Ms. Peet
