Thursday, October 1, 2026
Two seniors at John F. Kennedy High School have earned top honors in the annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, a nationally recognized program that celebrates creative achievement among students in grades 7 through 12.
Tiffany Yam received exceptional recognition, earning a Gold Key — the highest level of regional honor — for her oil painting titled “Congratulations.” Gold Key works advance to national judging in New York City, with only about 5 to 7 percent of submissions receiving the distinction.
Yam also earned a Silver Key for her self-portrait, “Flickers,” which marked her first time working with oil paints.
“I was pretty excited because I didn’t realize the results were coming out that day,” Yam said. “Ms. A told me right when I walked into class.”
Both pieces were created as part of Yam’s Advanced Placement Drawing portfolio under teacher Vanessa Albaneze. Her portfolio explores the theme of juxtaposition between beauty and darker or more unsettling elements.
“I wanted people to feel a sense of curiosity,” Yam said. “I hope they wonder about the story behind the piece and what’s happening behind the scenes.”
Yam said both oil paintings took several months to complete, with the floral piece presenting the greatest challenge due to the subtle changes in color and lighting among the petals.
Fellow senior Rachel Watson also earned a Silver Key for her photorealistic oil painting titled “Ethereal Blue,” a close-up portrait of her best friend Sophie’s eye adorned with reflective gems.
“I’m fascinated with color,” Watson said. “One of the first things people notice about my friend is her striking blue eyes. I wanted to make the iris as bright as possible to signify light within the darkness of all the shadow around it.”
Watson said she worked on the painting from June through October, overcoming periods of creative block with encouragement from Albaneze.
“She’s been so supportive from the start,” Watson said. “She introduced me to water-based oils and always makes sure I have everything I need. I adore her.”
Although both students plan to pursue careers outside of fine arts — Yam in engineering and Watson in law — they said the experience has helped them grow creatively and gain confidence.
Yam encouraged younger students to take chances when submitting artwork.
“I would tell them to submit even if they don’t think it’s good enough,” she said. “I didn’t have any expectations, so I was really surprised when I won something.”
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards receive hundreds of thousands of entries each year from students across the country.
“We congratulate Tiffany Yam and Rachel Watson for their outstanding accomplishments and commend Ms. Albaneze for her dedication to fostering artistic excellence,” said Cheryl Fontana, director of fine and performing arts.
