Several hundred teen artists and writers attended an artist reception and celebration to kick off Spring Break on March 11 at Spring Street Studios in Houston. Among the talented teens was Klein ISD eleventh grader Mary Ann Hurtado, who read her award-winning piece, “From Sea to Shining Kiosk.”

As a member of the Klein Collins High School orchestra and debate team, Hurtado is no stranger to performing for an audience. During the first of four regional receptions for Harris County Scholastic winners, Hurtado entertained the crowd with her natural writing ability and confidence speaking in public.

In addition to performing, writing is a passion of Hurtado’s. Although she normally writes poetry, music and science fiction, a recent shopping experience on Black Friday inspired her to try her hand at humor.

Hurtado’s story received a regional Scholastic Gold Key Award and one of five “best in class” American Voice nominations recognized nationally. She also recently received a National Scholastic Gold Key Award and is invited to attend the National Awards Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City this summer.

For more information about the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards or to view the full list of regional winners, visit www.hcde-texas.org/scholastic.