Erin Shockey’s Gold Key artwork. (CONTRIBUTED)

Crystal Ganatra’s Gold Key artwork. (CONTRIBUTED)

Madison Smith’s Gold Key artwork. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Artists at Bob Jones High School have received an endorsement of their skill by one of the country’s most prestigious arts organizations.

“The Scholastic Young Artists & Writers Awards competition is a state, regional and national competition for promising young artists and writers,” art teacher Robin Lakso said. Lakso teaches all levels (I-IV) of art classes. Jennifer Norton also teaches visual arts.

Only seniors are eligible to submit portfolios but underclassmen can submit single pieces. The awards’ top echelon is the Gold Key, followed by Silver Key and Honorable Mention.

“A portfolio consists of eight pieces of work that are in a concentration or series,” Lakso said. “Students need to dig deep within to develop their own personal voice when considering a portfolio. It can be an emotional experience.”

College representatives look for those students who have the drive and tenacity to complete a Scholastic portfolio, Lakso said. Gold Key winners’ works will be eligible for college scholarships. Any Gold Key winner at the national level also is eligible scholarship money from Scholastic.

Crystal Ganatra, Erin Shockey and Madison Smith earned Gold Key recognition for their portfolios. Logan Maddox, Olivia Goldston and Kalee Yem received Silver Portfolio ranking. Sunny Tsai received an honorable mention.

Individual recipients of the Gold Key award were Maya Burke, Sabrina Chen for photography, Isabella Glossup, Skylor Holden, Tasha Lavish, Chris Morris, McKenzie Porten, Rebecca Shin and Madison Smith.

Individuals earning the Silver Key were Samantha Butler, Abbey Ford, Haley Hop, Chris Morris, Lakyn Shepard, Nourhan Sheta and Olivia Goldston (two).

Receiving honorable mentions for individual work were Ariel Escobar, Shelby Hogan, Libby Newman, McKenzie Porten, Savannah Walker and Lauren.

Currently, work winning regional Gold Key recognition is under consideration for national recognition in New York.

Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of American youth. For more information, visit artandwriting.org.