Kol hakavod to our 2026 Minnesota Scholastic Art Award photography winners!
This year, six Smith Jewish Academy seventh and eighth graders were recognized at the state level by the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, earning Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention awards for their photography.
Their work reflects careful observation, creative risk-taking, and the confidence to see — and share — the world through a thoughtful, expressive lens.
Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have inspired bold creativity in teens for more than a century. Student work is first evaluated regionally, with Gold Key winners advancing automatically to national consideration, including medal and scholarship awards. Jurors look for originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice, values clearly evident in the work of our SJA students.
Congratulations to Our Award Winners
🥇 The Light Within by Dalia D. — Gold Key Award
🥈 Symmetry of Self by Annie B. — Silver Key Award
🥈 Ocean Eyes by Miri O. — Silver Key Award
⭐ Weeeeeeeee by Benny G. — Honorable Mention
⭐ Golden Hour by Mia M. — Honorable Mention
⭐ Evergreen Essence by Noah H. — Honorable Mention
⭐ Golden Hour by Annie B. — Honorable Mention
⭐ Pink Cloud by Dalia D. — Honorable Mention
Art Education With Skill, Voice, and Heart
What makes the SJA art program stand out is its balance of skill-building and individuality. “Cookie-cutter projects are never our goal,” shares longtime art teacher Victoria Thor. From kindergarten through eighth grade, students develop a strong artistic foundation while being encouraged to personalize their work and discover their own creative voice.
Art at SJA is taught as a form of communication — one that integrates language, history, science, and math. Students learn craftsmanship, perseverance, and exploration. To create art, Vic notes, is to be brave — to take risks, try new tools, and grow in confidence over time.
Since the 2008-2009 school year, curated work from SJA’s seventh and eighth graders has been entered into the Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards annually. Every year since, SJA students have been recognized at the state, regional, and national levels, including four national awards and two students honored at ceremonies at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
With more than 3,000 works submitted statewide each year, earning a Scholastic Award is a meaningful accomplishment. Just as we celebrate our athletes, chess champions, singers, and performers, it is vital to recognize students who excel in the visual arts. That recognition of talent, effort, and courage can be felt for a lifetime.
We are so proud of these young artists and grateful for the educators who help them see the world — and themselves — with creativity, confidence, and heart.