students Logan D'Amore and Madison Smith hold up their artwork

More than 20 students in the visual arts program at Melissa High School have been recognized for their exemplary artwork at recent local, state, and national competitions. 


National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Five students won honors at the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The contest received an estimated 200,000 entries in total this year from students across the country. Less than 50 percent of all entries were awarded either a Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mention. Gold Key recipients advanced to the national level of competition. 

Gold Key:

  • Logan D’Amore, sophomore – felted lion portrait titled “Lion’s Mane”
  • Annaliese To, senior – digital artwork

Silver Key:

  • Sophia Helton, freshman – clay and wood sculpture titled “Mouse Catcher”
  • Samantha Newkirk, junior – acrylic abstract portrait
  • Dillan Wilson, junior – clay sculpture of star fish

Honorable Mention:

  • Madison Smith, sophomore - charcoal piece titled “Portrait of a Friend”

Youth Art Month State Exhibition

Artwork by Sofia Perez, senior, was one of only 100 works selected to be featured in the Texas Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month Exhibition in Austin. Throughout the month of March, in celebration of National Youth Art Month, the exhibit will showcase artwork by K-12 students from across the state of Texas.


Regional Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE)

Three students qualified for state and 17 students received the highest-possible score at the regional high school Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). The following students earned top honors – a Rating IV mark and medal – at the VASE: Addison Bellue, Emily Clark, Logan D'Amore (state qualifier), Jayden Hall, Riley Hefel, Sophia Helton (state qualifier), Brooklyn Herbert, Kara Moore, Ava Neu (state qualifier), Sammy Newkirk, Rebecca Noles, Sofia Perez, Annaliese To, Logan Venner, Dylan Wilson, and Megan Young.