CENTREVILLE — Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) is proud to celebrate another remarkable year in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12.
This year, QACPS students from Kent Island High School and Queen Anne’s County High School submitted an impressive 178 entries, with 25 students earning a combined 29 regional awards through the highly competitive Region-at-Large competition.
QACPS students earned:
- 5 Gold Keys
- 9 Silver Keys
- 15 Honorable Mentions
🎥 Watch the video of the award-winning student artists!
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards receive more than 300,000 submissions annually from students across the United States and Canada. For the first time, our students competed through the expanded Region-at-Large division, which is a national-level regional pool, significantly increasing both the size and competitiveness of the judging.
Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts for QACPS, praised the students for both their artistic achievement and their willingness to share personal, meaningful work through their art.
“Every piece our students submitted represents belief — belief that what they have to say matters. And it does. Scholastic asks students to take creative risks, to put something honest and personal into the world, and that takes real courage. When our students are recognized at this level, especially within a national regional pool, it says something powerful about the talent, voice, and the strong artistic culture being cultivated within our Fine Arts programs in Queen Anne’s County.”
Bell also reflected on the significance of the program and the continued impact of ArtScene.
“Scholastic has recognized some of the most influential creative voices in American culture — artists like Andy Warhol and John Baldessari, writers like Truman Capote and Stephen King. Our students now become part of that same tradition because they were willing to create something real and share it with the world, through Scholastic, at ArtScene, and beyond.”
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were founded in 1923 and have become one of the highest honors for creative teenagers in North America. Alumni include renowned artists, writers, filmmakers, designers, and cultural leaders whose work has shaped generations.
QACPS extends its congratulations to all participating students, award recipients, families, and dedicated art educators whose mentorship and support continue to elevate arts education throughout the county.
The district remains committed to providing students with meaningful opportunities to express themselves creatively, develop their artistic voices, and gain recognition at both the regional and national levels.
Visit the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers website (external) for more information about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
Download “QACPS Students Earn 29 Scholastic Art Awards in 2026 National Competition” (PDF)