Submitted by the San Juan Island School District.

Western Region Awards for Friday Harbor High School Artists High School Art Instructor Andy Anderson is very proud to announce that two Friday Harbor High School AP Studio Art students have won the highest recognition in the 2023 Western at Large Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Competition. This is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. The Western Region is one of six regions and includes nine states. The award-winning work was submitted by senior Islay Ross and junior Elian Bayas. Friday Harbor High School was awarded four Gold Key awards, one Silver Key portfolio, and two Honorable Mentions.

Since 1923, The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers has identified teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent to bring their work to a national audience. More than 260,000 works of art are submitted and only a small percentage of these receive the designation of Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mention.

Islay Ross received three Gold Key awards, one Silver Key portfolio, and two Honorable Mentions. Elian Bayas received one Gold Key award. (Details below).

Any public, private, parochial or home-school student in grades 7 – 12 in the U.S., Canada, or an American school abroad may participate in the Awards for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published.

“This juried work is evaluated on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision,” said Friday Harbor High School Art Instructor Andy Anderson. “This is a tremendous honor and recognition of the hard work and dedication of our students. I want to thank our community and the San Juan Island Public Schools Foundation for continually supporting our elementary, middle school, and high school art programs. Your time and financial contributions help make our outstanding public school art program possible. Talented kids like Islay and Elian are clearly worth supporting. “

Award details:

Elian Bayas:

Pen and Ink, Oil Spill – Gold Key Award

Islay Ross:

Ceramic sculpture, Feeling the Sun on my Back – Gold Key Award

Mixed media, Island Connection – Gold Key Award

Acrylic paint, Rootbound – Gold Key Award

Mixed media, Welcome Mat – Honorable Mention

Sculpture, Mama Bird – Honorable Mention

Portfolio, Leaving Home – Silver Key Award

All Gold Key works have moved on to National adjudication. National Medalists, including Future New and Special and Sponsored Award recipients will be announced online on March 22.