The Scholastic Art and Writing competition is the nation’s longest-running, largest, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Eight West High students received awards in this competition of the Iowa and Midwest Region-at-large chapter hosted by the University of Iowa’s Belin-Blank Center Jan. 28. Any junior high and high schooler is eligible to submit writing and artwork such as poems, essays, memoirs or paintings. Teachers mentor students to submit the entries. Award winners include Amelia Douglas ’24, Anna Kalnins ’23, Heidi Du ’23, Jonathan Chen ’22, Athena Wu ’24, Maya Chu ’23, Lilly Graham ’24 and Paige Albright ’23.

The American Voice Nominees are the top five written submissions in the region from any grade level and category. Gold keys are awarded to the top 5 to 7% of all entries. Silver Keys are awarded to the top 7 to 10% of all entries. Honorable Mention is awarded to the top 10-15% of all entries.

Gold key winners will advance to the national judging and national awards will be announced March 23. Award winners are invited to the “Scholastic Celebration Online” that will premier on Sunday, March 7.

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