Grand Junction High School students senior Quin (Emma) Blanchard, sophomore Macy McConnell, and junior Jacob Smith participated in and won awards at the Scholastic Art Show.

There was a wide variety of art submitted to the art show, but the photography category won the show overall, with pieces like Blanchard’s ‘Burney’s Service Center.’ Blanchard won the National Medal for her gold key photograph and was mailed her piece and prize, as she was part of the top 1% of winners.

With the guidance of GJHS art teacher Sean Henry, these students have been very successful.

“Students have been participating [in the Scholastic Art Show] for ten years. Many students have won gold keys and silver keys, but this was the first time that one of them had won a national medal,” said Henry.

The Art Show was held in Denver and displayed in the Denver Art Museum. Students had to create their own art pieces, ranging from photography to paintings. After titling their pieces, students needed to upload a digital copy of their artwork to the Scholastic Art Show website. Blanchard’s photo was very successful, and she loved having her artwork appreciated. 

“I was shocked and excited about my photo winning. I submitted it last year, and it got the same nomination but didn’t win, so I was really happy that it did this year,” said Blanchard.

All the students who participated were recognized and celebrated by their peers and teachers. 

Editor’s note: Brynn Lents is a GJHS junior currently enrolled in a Reporting class.