Return to Headlines

PCS students honored at the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony

June 19, 2025

Winning students, teachers and art staff

Five PCS students and their visual arts teachers were honored at the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards ceremony. The national ceremony was held at Carnegie Hall on June 11, 2025. 

The awards program is one of the nation's most prestigious and longest-running arts recognition programs for creative teens.

Sixteen Pinellas students won gold and silver National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, which were announced in the spring. The gold medalists were invited to the national ceremony to receive their medals. 

Congratulations to our Gold Medalists:

  • Aiden Evans, Title: Insomnia, Drawing & Illustration, Grade: 11, Gibbs High School
  • Ryla Faulkner, Title: Furry Hasbrouck, Drawing & Illustration, Grade: 8, John Hopkins Middle School 
  • Olivia Tucker, Title: The Captain, Fashion, Award: American Visions (Gold), Grade: 12, St Petersburg High School
  • Ethan Pinto, Title: Hard Days, Photography, Grade: 12, Hollins High School
  • Sophie Valentino, Title: Sounds of the Past, Sculpture, Grade: 11, Dunedin High School

Gold and Silver Art Portfolio works of art were showcased in a national exhibition at Scholastic Inc. in the SoHo district in New York City. 

During the ceremony, artist and writer Audrey Niffenegger and actors Anthony Edwards and Emma Roberts spoke about the significance of the students' national recognition and the importance of continuing their creative expression. At the end of the event, comedian Tracy Morgan shared an inspiring message.

Award winning student and teacherStudent, teachers and staff Award winning student and teacher