FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, FL (April 3, 2026) — Students from Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) have earned national recognition through the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious programs honoring creative excellence among middle and high school students.
This year’s HCPS honorees received Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and the American Visions Award (Best in Show) for their outstanding artistic achievements. Their work was selected from thousands of entries nationwide and recognized for originality, technical skill, and personal voice.
Among the top honors, Robert Bowers, a 10th‑grade student at Durant High School, earned the American Visions Award (Best in Show) for his piece Love.
Additional national award winners include:
Gold Medal
Chromatic Contortion by Alexis Renaut, Grade 9, Steinbrenner High School
Art Teacher: Kris Watkinson
Intergalactic Boy by Aylin Luvano, Grade 12, Blake High School
Art Teacher: Emma Chandler
Bubbles by Erica Hernandez, Grade 10, Blake High School
Art Teachers: Emma Chandler and Caitlin Clay
Silver Medal
Compliant Capture by Raina Kim, Grade 11, Strawberry Crest High School
Art Teacher: Barbara Lawton
“The creativity and talent demonstrated by these students is truly extraordinary,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Their success reflects not only their hard work and artistic vision, but also the incredible fine arts opportunities we provide across Hillsborough County Public Schools. From visual arts and music to theater and creative writing, we are committed to giving students meaningful, high‑quality experiences that allow them to explore their passions, develop their skills, and express themselves in powerful ways.”
The 2026 National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony and Reception will be held on May 14, 2026, at the USF College of Music Concert Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Students, families, educators, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate these achievements.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented nationally, are the longest‑running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the United States.
Learn more about the fine arts programs at hillsboroughschools.org.
Love, Robert Bowers, a 10th‑grade student at Durant High School
Compliant Capture by Raina Kim, Grade 11, Strawberry Crest High School
Bubbles by Erica Hernandez, Grade 10, Blake High School
Intergalactic Boy by Aylin Luvano, Grade 12, Blake High School
Chromatic Contortion by Alexis Renaut, Grade 9, Steinbrenner High School
