Four earn recognition in arts & writing contest

Senior Sofia Jahn received the program’s highest honor, a Gold Key, for her poem, “Unavailable.” Entries that win a Gold Key are automatically considered for National Awards, including Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and scholarship awards. A list of all of the National Medalists is published at artandwriting.org each spring.

Sophia also earned an Honorable Mention for her poem, “1, 2, 3, 4.”  She is a member of National Honor Society, Natural Helpers and the girls varsity tennis team.

Senior Frankie Dubreil earned two Silver Keys in the categories of Poetry and Portfolio for their entries, “ISN’T PRETTY FUN?” and “That Certain Combination” respectively. In addition, Frankie earned an Honorable Mention for the Personal Essay & Memoir, “Of Allergies & Advocacy.”

This past fall Frankie was named a National Merit Commended student and was a member of the planning team for the high school’s Global Education Week.

The Pittsburgh Playhouse on Point Park University's campus will host the 2025 Pittsburgh Region Scholastic Writing Awards recognition ceremony on March 22, 2025.

In the arts, siblings Julia Campagna, grade 11, and Matthew Campagna, grade 7, each earned Honorable Mention for their submissions.

Julia competed in the Fashion category with her entry, “Rink Bag.” Although her current academic schedule does not include any art classes, she previously completed a ceramics elective with Erika Valentine. Julia is a member of the Pantherette Guard with the USCHS marching band, Spanish Club and stage crew. In addition, she competes with the Western Pennsylvania High School Figure Skating Team.

Matthew’s “College Cat Portrait” was entered in the Mixed Media category. His art teacher at Fort Couch Middle School is Joshua Criswell. In addition to creating art, Matthew participates in Fort Couch Esports Super Smash Bros Team, USC inline hockey and Odyssey of the Mind.

An exhibition and awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts & Kresge Theater. Artwork will be on display from Feb. 26 through March 9.

According to the program’s website, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is “the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens.” Open to students in grades 7–12, the program recognizes student achievement in the visual and literary arts in 30 categories, including editorial cartoon, poetry, digital art, fashion, photography, sculpture, short story, poetry and more.

All works are evaluated through blind adjudication first on a regional level, where works earn Honorable Mention, Silver Key, or Gold Key distinction. Gold Key work advances to the national level. At each level of judging, all works are reviewed based on the same criteria that have represented the program since its founding in 1923: originality, skill, and personal voice or vision.