MVRHS Students Capture National Photography Awards

Two students have been awarded Silver Medals for photography in the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers announced Friday. Sophomore Eli Dagostino was recognized for his photograph “A Russian Pattern” and senior Vivian Ewing for her senior portfolio.

Both students were previously awarded Gold Keys, the highest prize, for their submissions to the regional 2011 Boston Globe Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. That standing earned them eligibility in the national competition. Only 1,300 students throughout the United States are honored at the national level for contributions ranging from computer graphics to novels.

"I have been working extremely hard recently being a professional photographer at the age of 15," said Dagostino. "Winning this award assures me that everything I do is not just busy work, and that all the hours it takes me to please my clients and deliver outstanding images is all worth it.”

"This award shows that with perseverance anyone can get recognized!" Dagostino said.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, spotlights American teens’ talent through scholarships and exhibitions.

Dagostino and Ewing’s Silver Medal submissions may be displayed in New York City in June. Both have been invited to attend the 88th annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall on May 31.

This latest round of accolades tops a tremendously successful showing by Martha’s Vineyard students in the Boston Globe Scholastic awards, the winners of which were announced in February.

Of the 50 pieces entered into the regional contest by the high school, Island students received an unprecedented 31 awards, said MVRHS photography teacher Chris Baer.

Tova Katzman and Conor Estes, as well as Ewing, were awarded Gold Keys for their eight-piece senior portfolios. Willoe Maynard, Issy Smith, Lauren Dostal, Sarah Gruner, Nicole Parkhurst, Truda Silberstein and Dagostino received Gold Keys for individual photographs. Kelsey Dandeneau, Aoife Estes, Sam Valley and Truda Silberstein earned Silver Keys for photography.

A number of students were also recognized by the Boston Globe Scholastic competition. Jess Dupon was awarded Gold Keys for both creative writing and essay/memoir writing. Zana Van Rooyen received a Gold Key for watercolor. Zen Hughes and Alistair Rizza received Silver Keys for poetry and graphite on paper, respectively.

The Gold Key–winning works are currently on display at the State Transportation Building gallery in Boston through April 8.