West Orange High School AP Art Student Receives 2021 Scholastic Awards Honorable Mention

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange High School senior and AP Art student Julia Spellman has received Honorable Mention in the annual 2021 Scholastic Awards competition.

According to its website, “The Scholastic Awards look for work demonstrating originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Regional recognition includes Gold Key awards, Silver Key awards, and Honorable Mentions. Gold Keys are automatically forwarded for consideration at the national level of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.”

More than 100 arts and literary organizations partner with Scholastic annually to select top works of art and literature from students spanning grades 7-12 in 29 categories. Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Last year, Scholastic received over 3,600 entries for review.

Spellman was recognized for two of her art works, “Still Life Study” and “Bubbles.” Her recognized works will be part of her AP Art portfolio, a required component of successfully completing the AP Arts program.

The senior is pleased to receive an Honorable Mention for her work. “I hope to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design or DePaul University. My interests are film, art, and music,” Spellman said.

 “I am so proud of Julia’s accomplishment, said WOHS AP Art teacher Heather Young, “and her passion for art and hard work deserves much recognition.”

Students receiving Gold Keys, Silver Keys, Honorable Mentions, or American Voices & Visions Nominations are celebrated within their communities through local exhibitions and ceremonies. Julia’s work, along with other top artists, will be on view at the Montclair Art Museum during the Virtual Scholastic Arts reception on Feb. 25 beginning at 6 p.m.