Two seniors from Kennedy High School have earned honors in the annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious creative arts recognition programs for students in grades 7–12. 

Tiffany Yam, a senior in Vanessa Albaneze’s Advanced Placement Drawing class, received exceptional recognition for her work. Yam submitted two oil paintings to the competition. Her piece titled “Congratulations” was awarded a Gold Key, the highest level of recognition at the regional level. Gold Key works advance to national judging in New York City, with only 5–7% of student submissions earning this distinction.  

Yam’s second piece, a self-portrait titled “Flickers,” received a Silver Key, an honor awarded to only 7–10% of entries. 

Fellow senior Rachel Watson, also a student in Ms. Albaneze’s Advanced Placement Drawing class, earned a Silver Key for her photorealistic oil painting titled “Ethereal Blue.” The piece features a detailed and expressive portrayal of her friend’s eye and was recognized for its technical skill and artistic impact. 

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards receive hundreds of thousands of submissions annually from students across the country, making recognition a significant achievement.  

“We congratulate Tiffany Yam and Rachel Watson for their outstanding accomplishments and commend Ms. Albaneze for her dedication to fostering artistic excellence,” noted Cheryl Fontana, director of fine and performing arts.