CANTON — Superintendent Derek Folan, Canton High School Principal Jeff Sperling and Visual Arts Coordinator Patricia Palmer are pleased to announce that seven Canton High School students have been recognized as part of this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative teens. Students in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) can apply in 28 categories of art and writing. All entries are considered for Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention, as well as other recognitions.
The Massachusetts region of the program is presented by The Boston Globe and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University (SMFA).
Photography
Senior Caitlin O’Sullivan’s “Rave” received Silver Key recognition.
About her work, she said in part, “The color red brings back thrilling and electrifying memories that (the women) share together. Instantly when looking at the photo, you can tell the subjects are enthusiastic. By their movement and facial expressions, you can see that they want this memory to last forever. They’re smiling, laughing, and dancing. This image captures a moment in time.”
Sophomore Tara Geoghan’s “Lost Slippers” received Silver Key recognition.
About her work, she said in part, “Each wrinkle, each crease, each mark, demonstrates the journey that has been walked, danced, and jumped through. By doing this work I learned photographers truly create the meaning behind their photographs. Photographing something special to me has helped me connect to the story I am portraying. When looking at my work, I hope that viewers will learn to recognize that hard work will always show, in some way or another.”
Senior Molly Dwoske’s “Dual Lights” received Honorable Mention recognition.
About her work, she said in part, “My light painting photos were made by swinging LEDs around in different ways. Different directions, speeds, and colors resulted in an endless amount of interesting photos. When editing, the darkening of the shadows made the lights pop out and illuminated the wall behind, giving more of an outline to it. I had fun experimenting with long exposure and editing in general, but my favorite part was trying out light painting.”
Writing
Students recognized in the Poetry category include:
- Freshman Sadie Gugliotta for “Garden of Deception,” Silver Key
- Senior Kelly Woodworth for “It Takes Two; Song of Myself; Ode to Regret,” Honorable Mention
- Senior Emily Kelly for “In Between World,” Honorable Mention
Junior Rachel Pirrera also received an award in the Memoir category for her entry “Modern Pierott.” Her entry received a Silver Key.
A slideshow featuring the students’ work, including excerpts from the poetry and memoir submissions and additional details about the photography, can be viewed by clicking here.
“We are so very proud of our student artists and writers that have received Scholastic Awards this year,” Palmer said. “This long-standing awards program highlights artistic vision, voice, technical skill and originality. Being honored with an award is quite an achievement. Congratulations!”
Added Principal Sperling, “Each student puts so much time and focus into their piece, whether it be art or writing, and it’s great to see the creativity and passion that shows through their work.”
This year, in art, the Massachusetts region of the program received 7,363 entries, with 508 Gold Keys, 733 Silver Keys and 1,119 Honorable Mentions awarded. In writing, the program received 3,170 submissions and 189 Gold Keys, 319 Silver Keys and 435 Honorable Mentions were awarded. Submissions are judged based on their originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.
An award ceremony for Silver and Gold Key art and writing recipients will be held on March 18. The exhibition of Gold Key art and writing work also will be on display at Breed Hall on the Tufts Medford campus from March 18-25. Each student recognized at any of the three levels receives a certificate, and Gold and Silver Key recipients also receive a pin.
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