Mobile Navigation Icon Phone Icon

Student Spotlight: Maggie Alphen and Audrey Ryland

Two of our students, 8th grader Audrey Ryland and 10th grader Maggie Alphen, both placed in the Scholastic Art Awards. Their website lists their mission as:

“The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Through the Awards, students receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships.”

This contest is not easy to win – judges received over 2,700 entries in art this year. Audrey was awarded two Silver Key awards and an Honorable Mention, while Maggie received 2 Honorable Mentions. Their winning works will be showcased at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond from February 16 through March 2, with a reception on Saturday, February 23 from 1-4pm. We hope you will find time to stop by and see them!


In addition to the Scholastic Awards, Maggie Alphen has also been accepted to the 2019 VCUarts Pre-College Summer Intensive. For 3 weeks this summer she will spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week dedicated to further developing her art skills. Their website describes the program as “dynamic, interdisciplinary, and relevant to both personal enrichment and career development in arts and design”.

Congratulations Audrey and Maggie!