The regional scholastic art awards were held for all of FCPS earlier this month for art projects made by high school students. Six AHS students won awards from the competition by entry through art teachers Suellen Merlo and Meredith Stevens.

Winners from AHS included senior Lara Ali, winning a Silver Key in photography; senior Alvin Chan, winning a Silver Key and a Certificate of Merit for photography; junior Kristin De Angelis, winning a Silver Key in digital art; senior Christine Lee, winning a Certificate of Merit for design; senior Abigail Romero, winning a Certificate of Merit in mixed media and freshman Anthony Walker winning a Certificate of Merit for jewelry.

The Scholastic Art Competition’s purpose is to award students with technical skill, uniqueness and ability to express artistic vision. Recipients may be awarded a Gold Key, Silver Key or a Certificate of Merit in the regional competition. A few of the most notable artisans to receive the awards include Andy Warhol (artist), Sylvia Plath (writer) and Zac Posen (fashion designer).

“I sent in two necklaces to the competition through Ms. Merlo,” Walker said.

Over 2,000 entries from Fairfax County won 174 Gold Keys, 149 Silver Keys and 153 Certificates of Merit from all styles of art throughout all of the middle and high schools in the county.

The Scholastic Art Competition started in 1923. Students submit a variety of works ranging from paintings to film. The submissions are judged by luminaries in the visual and literary arts.

The AHS students who won the competition will have their work displayed in the Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernst Community Cultural Center from Feb. 8 through Feb. 21.

“It felt amazing to win awards, and it’s a great honor for my piece to be selected,” De Angelis said. “I’m really proud.”