Celebrating Our Talented Young Artists: Scholastic Art Awards 2025
“…. art is not just about creativity, but also courage. The courage to think outside the box and be honest with our feelings. Each decision we make does not have a definite right or wrong answer, but various opportunities and possibilities await. With art, there is no need to be afraid of pursuing the vision we have in our mind.”
— Anh Lu
This year, six states—California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Utah—formed the West Art Region-At-Large, making the competition for the 2025 Scholastic Art Awards more intense than ever. From the 3,000 entries that received awards, we are incredibly proud to celebrate three of our talented students whose work received recognition.
Silver Key Award: Emmalyn Covey, 10th Grade
Emmalyn Covey’s intricate drawing, Dakotan Black-footed Ferret, earned a Silver Key award in the Drawing & Illustration category. Inspired by her family’s South Dakota roots, she chose this familiar creature as a meaningful representation of the region. Emmalyn shared that the piece took six art classes and over five hours to complete, a testament to her dedication and patience. She credits her elementary art teacher, Mrs. Nicole Curtis, for inspiring her to embrace creativity, a passion that continues to shape her artistic journey.
Honorable Mention: Anh Lu, 12th Grade
Senior Anh Lu received an Honorable Mention in the Mixed Media category for her self-portrait, Inner Peace. Using book pages, ink, and pastels, Anh’s artwork explores the resilience that has carried her through life’s challenges.
“Every one of us has to go through challenges in life, and so when I drew a portrait of myself, I thought of what has led me to go this far,” she explains. “… it is an inner strength within all of us.” To visualize this abstract idea, Anh came up with “An umbrella that I would hold to protect myself from all the obstacles raining down and continue to look straight forward. It provides a sense of security and lends us the power to confront challenges.”
Anh also deliberately chose pastels as her medium, drawn to their vibrancy and the sense of playfulness they bring to her work. She credits her teacher, Mrs. Evy McLean, for encouraging her to trust her artistic instincts. “Thanks to her, Inner Peace is now full of emotion and beautiful colors.”
Honorable Mention: Rena Shin, 8th Grade
Eighth-grader Rena Shin also earned an Honorable Mention in the Drawing & Illustration category for her piece, My Favorite Things.
“The items I chose for my artwork all connect to aspects of my life—memories, joys, and even pieces of my personality,” Rena shares. She acknowledges Mrs. McLean for playing a vital role in her artistic growth, saying, “Without her, I wouldn’t have learned the techniques and mediums I use today.”
We celebrate not only these young artists but also the dedicated teachers who guide them. Mrs. Evy McLean’s passion for art education has nurtured creativity, skill, and personal expression in her students. Through her encouragement, these artists have found their unique voices and the confidence to bring their visions to life.
At PCS, we deeply appreciate the educators who shape our students, not just as artists, but as individuals. Congratulations once again to Emmalyn, Anh, and Rena for their incredible achievements—your talent and dedication inspire us all!