As school districts nationwide face unprecedented challenges and budget constraints, fine art programs are often among the first to experience cost-cutting measures. That’s what makes celebrations like the Scholastic Art & Writing regional awards ceremonies so special.  

It’s an opportunity to acknowledge thousands of Harris County middle and high schoolers passionate about creating beautiful, engaging and thought-provoking works using the 26 letters of the alphabet or various mediums like acrylics, digital design and photography.  

“Inspiration is fluid and can come from anywhere if you’re looking for it,” said Arianna Hernandez, a senior at Humble Independent School District’s (ISD) Summer Creek High School, who was awarded a Silver Key for her sculpture Pink in the Night. “My piece was inspired by different types of gardens and flowers and how time moves. Flowers grow slowly, but life moves quickly, and if we don’t stop to look at the beauty of nature, we can miss it.”  

Most consider art subjective, and everyone may not understand the artists’ meaning or intention. However, Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) — one of the largest regional sponsors of the awards nationwide — received more than 12,000 submissions from teens eager to receive constructive feedback and accolades for their hard work.  

On March 27, Gold and Silver Key recipients and their families packed the Wortham Theater Center for an opportunity to network with fellow artists and celebrate. Attendees viewed a selection of artworks and writing pieces in the grand lobby before proudly walking the stage.  

“I was so excited when I found out I won, and I feel very accomplished like I proved something to myself and my family,” said Tifany Hernandez, a senior at Kerr High School in Alief ISD.   

She was awarded a Gold Key and the HCDE Board of Trustees’ Exemplary Writing Award for her essay entitled The Power of a Woman. It describes the lasting impact of her father’s deportation and the change of her mother and grandmother’s roles as the new heads of the family.  

“I’ve always used writing as a way to express my emotions, but this story was personal to my family’s experience,” T. Hernandez said, getting emotional. “I’m going to be a first-generation college student who has also received an award for their work. I’m really proud of myself.”  

Neda Kahn, an art instructor at Michael E. DeBakey High School and 2025 recipient of the Blick Art Award, has worked in education for more than two decades, during which she both helped and witnessed countless students find new ways to express themselves and explore possibilities through their art.  

With more than 30 of her Houston ISD students submitting their artwork to the Scholastic competition, they received twice as many Gold and Silver Keys — an incredible feat. While not every student will pursue a career in fine arts, Kahn says the skills they’re learning as artists are easily transferable.  

“These kids inspire me daily because every time I push them to try a new technique, change their style or raise the bar, they meet me where I am,” Khan described. “They are gaining confidence and becoming resilient, and you can take those skills anywhere.”  

One of the most important skills these 7-12 grade students are learning is the ability to receive constructive feedback and grow. A skill vital to success in academia and the workforce.   

“Last year, I only received one Gold Key, and I was really disappointed,” said Stephanie Jlang, a ninth grader at FLUX School of Art. “I took the judges critiques and used those reflections to develop better skills and grow in my creativity. Now this year, I was awarded two Gold Keys, one silver and an honorable mention.”   

If words don’t quite capture the picture enough, the sheer volume of submissions should be a powerful reminder that art and writing are more than an elective.  

The Department awarded 556 Gold Keys in art, 760 Silver Keys in art, 493 Gold Keys in writing and 861 Silver Keys in writing to students who brought a distinctive and authentic voice, perspective, originality and technical skill to their pieces.  

Art and writing are outlets for creativity, critical thinking and self-expression that shape students in ways that transcend the classroom. They are part of what makes the world beautiful.  

“Art is everywhere,” Khan said. “Architects use it when designing a city; it’s in our choice of clothes or what utensils we buy to match our kitchen; art is all around us. Can you imagine a life where nothing is aesthetic? I’m scared to live in a world where we don’t teach kids how to express themselves.”  

To learn more about HCDE’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, click here.