Exeter, NH (May 5, 2009)—Emma WestRasmus, a senior at Phillips Exeter Academy from Lee, NH, has won a Gold Key and Silver Key award for a journalism and poetry submission in this year’s Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Showcase—an annual publication and virtual gallery that highlights nationally recognized work.

WestRasmus’ gold journalism entry, “Unraveling the Diva” and her silver poem entry, “Home,” were among eight prize entries she submitted this year for the annual contest.  On June 4, she will be among other national Gold Key winners who will be honored at Carnegie Hall. The 300 seniors who received national awards are eligible for $500 to full tuition scholarships at more than 60 colleges, universities and art institutions in the U.S.

WestRasmus also received six regional Gold Key citations from Scholastic for a personal essay/memoir, a writing portfolio entry and four poetry entries. She was among 15 other Exonians named 2009 regional winners in the painting, glass and ceramics, photography, computer art, and sculpture categories. Selected works from the award-winning art and writing will be on exhibit at the World Monuments Fund Gallery in Manhattan, June 3-24. 

The showcase is part of the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, an organization that annually tracks the creative development of teenagers across the country. Each year, thousands of entries are submitted through regional affiliate programs across the country for consideration in 25 categories. This year, of the 140,000 works submitted, 10,000 student artists were honored as regional Gold Key winners, and 1,000 earned national awards. The submissions are evaluated locally and nationally by panels comprised of renowned artists, authors, and education and arts professionals.

Visit our art Web page to learn more about the PEA Art Department, or our home Web page. You may also contact the Art Department at 603-777-3461. A complete list of upcoming events is also available on the Phillips Exeter Academy public events line at 603-777-4309. For directions to Phillips Exeter Academy, call 603-777-4330.