Niles West High School students received over 40 regional awards in the 2025 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition. This competition, sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the nation’s longest-running and largest recognition program for creative teens in the visual and literary arts.

Gold Key Awards 
Gold Key winners represent the top 5-7% of entries. They advance to national adjudication for scholarships. Results will be announced in June.

• Photography, Design, and Digital Art: Audrey Taylor (multiple), Elyse Tregoning, Fiona Payne, Minela Dervisevic, Salwa Mohiuddin, Sam Kintner, Talia Spector, Vlada Shavurska
• Ceramics and Glass: Dickel Maiga
• Drawing and Illustration: Ajax (Samantha) Hinklin
• Mixed Media: Vlada Shavurska

Silver Key Awards 
Silver Key winners demonstrate a high level of achievement, representing 10-15% of regional submissions.

• Photography, Design, and Digital Art: Asher Waltzer, Cedric Ranon (multiple), Christina Amato, Fiona Payne (multiple), Jahnavi Thakore
• Ceramics and Glass: Katelyn Daly
• Sculpture: Marissa Zomaya
• Fashion: Emilia Rydzewski
• Comic Art: Reyna Grimaldos-Lenz
• Painting: Sarah Mocianko

Honorable Mention Awards 
Honorable Mention winners show strong artistic potential and represent 15-20% of regional submissions.

• Photography, Design, and Digital Art: Asher Waltzer, Carly Krygowski, Christina Amato, Elyse Tregoning, Isabelle Cordis, Jax Gomez, Minela Dervisevic, Nagham Abou Tara, Sam Kintner, Sheila Mehtarkhel (multiple), Talia Spector
• Drawing, Illustration, and Painting: Julia Miller
• Painting: Ally Nguyen
• Mixed Media: Aysha Barkat