In 2020 when nothing was certain, Mahoning Valley art teachers were determined to have one event for showcasing the talent and hard work of their students.

This year’s Scholastics Art and Writing competition was able to happen with participation from more than 40 teachers from Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana and Ashtabula counties. They entered more than 300 works from students in drawing, painting, photography, digital art and more.

All were judged at the regional level to see who will represent the area and compete at the national level this spring.

From Mahoning County, Boardman High School art teacher Alyssa Birch will be sending two students to New York for nationals. Two of her students received American Vision Awards — Jenna Hughes and Gabriella Roller; as well as Alexis Chizmar receiving a Gold Key for her digital portfolio.

Boardman’s Nick Niarhos (educator Amanda Bero) also received a Gold Key for his self portrait and will be moving onto New York.

Struthers High School will have a pair of students representing the school in New York as well: Kayleigh McCormick (educator Sarah Herrholtz) and Zach Felleti (educator Jessica Zappia).

Other schools and students sending at least one piece to New York from Mahoning County are Erik Vargo of Cardinal Mooney (educator Maureen Kandray), Karinia Collins of Holy Family (educator Liz Kovalik), Lorenzo Sprockett of Ursuline (educator Alaina Campbell), and Alaina Fitch of Western Reserve (educator Michael Groubert).

From Trumbull County, three schools will have students moving onto New York to compete at the national level. Mineral Ridge will be sending a piece by Grace Masterson (educator Julie Edwards), while LaBrae will be represented by as well as Savannah Taiclet (educator Katie Kistler).

Lakeview High School’s Emily Bennett will be sending two of her pieces to New York. Along with Emily’s two Gold Keys, one being nominated for an American Vision Award, she also received three Silver Keys, and her classmate Molly Stein received four Silver Keys.

Lakeview art teacher Jeff Piper’s nine total keys is the most by any educator or school in this year’s show.

Hubbard will be sending the most Gold Key winners to New York this year, with a total of five from three students: Mallory Greenamyer with a Gold Key Portfolio, American Vision Award and Gold Key drawing; Gabe Gilliland will be sending a Gold Key portfolio; and Zac Jones with his digital short film titled “Focus.”

Winners at the national level will be announced March 17. If any students is selected for national recognition, a ceremony is scheduled in New York City on June 9. With the status of COVID-19, however, these dates and plans may change.

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