Exeter, NH (May 1, 2009)—A Phillips Exeter Academy senior was among more than a dozen Exonians who won national and regional honors in this year’s Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Showcase—an annual publication and virtual gallery that highlights nationally recognized work. The Showcase is part of the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, which tracks the creative development of teenagers across the country each year. All Gold Key national winners will be honored by Scholastic Art during a celebration at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June. Selected works from the award-winning art and writing will be on exhibit at the World Monuments Fund Gallery in Manhattan, June 3-24.

Emma WestRasmus, a senior from Lee, NH, won Gold and Silver Key national awards for two poetry submissions, “Unraveling the Diva,” and “Home.” WestRasmus was also awarded eight regional Gold Key citations for journalism, a personal essay, a writing portfolio and five poetry entries. The 300 seniors who received national awards are eligible for $500 to full tuition of scholarships at more than 60 colleges and universities, and art institutions in the U.S.

Fifteen other Exonians earned regional Gold Key Art Awards: John Beckett, an 11th grader from Newport, RI, ceramics and glass; Samuel Burns, a 10th grader from Exeter, NH, ceramics and glass; Emma Glennon, an 11th grader from Greenland, NH, painting; Devon Gorman, an 11th grader from Chinle, AZ, ceramics and glass; Sanna Gu, a 12th grader from North Andover, MA, art portfolio; Yeseung Jang, a 12th grader from Seoul, Korea, art portfolio; Michael Kho, a 12th grader from Exeter, NH, short story; Hayoon Kim, a 12th grader from Seoul, Korea, computer art; Mallory Kosow, a 10th grader from Exeter, NH, photography; Molly Liu, a 12th grader from Ann Arbor, MI, painting (two entries); Connie Su, an 11th grader from Acton, MA, painting; Alice VanBokkelen, a 9th grader from South Hampton, NH, photography; WestRasmus, writing; Caroline Wiklund, a 12th grader from Plymouth, MA, sculpture; and Lucy Yu, a 10th grader from Grayslake, IL, painting.

Each year, thousands of entries are submitted through regional affiliate programs across the country for consideration in 25 categories. The submissions are evaluated locally and nationally by panels of jurors 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.