Students from Niles North High School and Niles West High School earned national recognition in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of the nation’s longest-running recognition programs for teens.

Niles North High School
Niles North freshman Akira Sarkis earned a National Gold Medal in the Photography category for her piece called A Vivid Workday. Earlier this year, she earned a regional Gold Key award, which advanced her work to the national level. 

Niles North visual art teacher Melissa Connell also received the 2026 Educator Award as an outstanding educator whose dedication, commitment, and guidance are represented by student work selected for national honors.

Niles West High School
Niles West seniors Lucie Fleck and Audrey Taylor were selected for Art Portfolio honors which recognize a series of six distinct works that communicate a single cohesive idea or visual investigation. Each student will receive a dedicated gallery wall featuring work from their senior portfolios.

Jahnavi Thakore and Elyse Tregoning, also Niles West seniors, received silver medals in the national competition. Thakore’s Adler Planetarium Poster and Tregoning’s afFruitmations were recognized in the Graphic Design category.

National medalists receive certificates and medals and are considered for exhibition, publication and scholarship opportunities. Gold Medal recipients are also invited to attend the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City in June.

For more information about the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, visit the Alliance for Young Arts & Writers website.