Charleroi Area students named scholastic art competition winners

Submitted Honored for their work in the 2023-24 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of Southwestern Pennsylvania are, from left, Camryn French, Riley Brown, Regan Brown, Chelsie Dzurinko, Tori Zippay, Ella Quinn, Arlo McIntyre, Gage Patterson, Aiden Jackson, Xavier Thomas, and their art teacher Patrick Camut. Missing from the photo is student Mylie French.

By the MVI
Several Charleroi Area High School art students received recognition in the 2023-24 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
High School Art teacher Patrick Camut said the competition is one of the most prestigious art and writing competitions in the country.
Each year, more than 300,000 students in grades seven through 12 submit artwork at a regional level.
Of those, about 3,000 move on to the national competition in New York City, where 85 receive the American Vision award.
Schools from Fayette, Greene and Washington counties participate in the regional competition.
The Gold Key represents the best work submitted to local programs and are automatically considered for national level recognition.
“This year, our art students not only participated but excelled, marking our school’s most outstanding regional performance since 2015,” Camut stated.
Gold Key-awarded entries are automatically considered for national awards, including Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and scholarship awards.
Here are this year’s Charleroi Area awardees.
• Ella Quinn received multiple Gold Keys for her portfolio and pieces, alongside Silver Key and Honorable Mentions.
• Tori Zippay: Won a Gold Key for “SMASH” and a Silver Key for “Mind Islands.”
• Xavier Thomas was awarded a Gold Key and the Distinguished American Visions Nominee for his sculpture titled, “1+1+2+3+5+8.”
• Aiden Jackson and Regan Brown both received Honorable Mentions, showcasing their unique narratives.
• Riley Brown, Chelsie Dzurinko, Arlo McIntyre, Gage Patterson, Mylie French and Camryn French were recognized with Silver Keys and Honorable Mentions.

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