12 GISH students honored in 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
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A select group of students received the high honor of earning 2025-2026 Scholastic Art and Writing awards. Fourteen pieces of student artwork and one piece of writing, created by 12 different students, were recently accepted into the prestigious art show.
The Scholastic Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. For our GISH Islanders, this achievement places them among the top young creators in Nebraska.
"Poptart" drawing by Layla Gerber.
Out of the 14 accepted pieces from GISH, four student pieces were awarded a Gold Key. This is the highest regional honor possible, signifying that these works are among the most accomplished in the state. These four outstanding pieces (tow art pieces and two writing pieces) will advance to the national level, where they will be judged against the best student work from across the United States.
"Coil Lantern" ceramics, by Jocelyn Amaya.
“As an art department, we try our hardest to recognize our students’ hard work on many levels. The final step of the art-making process is presenting the work,” Micki Nuss, GISH Art Teacher, shared. “Our students work incredibly hard, and we love having opportunities to share their creativity and dedication with our community,” she said.
The artwork will be displayed in Omaha, providing an opportunity for the public to see the talent and vision of our students. The exhibit will be displayed from March 9 to April 17, 2026 at the Omaha PUblic Schools Teacher Administration Center (TAC) and 3215 Cuming St. in Omaha.
A formal ceremony to honor the artistic achievements of these students will take place at the end of March.
Congratulations, Islanders!
"Transformation" Digital Painting, Drawing by Kiki Teya.
AWARD WINNERS:
Jocelyn Amaya,Grade 11
Coil Lantern; Ceramics
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Silver Key
Hanna Butters, Grade 11
Self Portrait Tile; Ceramics
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Honorable Mention
Hanna Butters, Grade 11
Came Back Wrong; Short Story
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Gold Key
Bryant Canil, Grade 11
Another Person's Treasure; Photography
Instructor: Chris Holton
Honorable Mention
Alezaya Flores, Grade 9
BLUE; Painting
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Honorable Mention
Lee Forbes, Grade 9
Fresh Meat; Drawing
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Honorable Mention
Layla Gerber, Grade 9
Poptart; Drawing
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Gold Key
Layla Gerber, Grade 9
Emotional Color Self Portrait; Painting
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Silver Key
Kelly Gonzalez Rauda, Grade 12
The Purpose of Books; Sculpture
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Silver Key
Yoselin Lindo-Morente, Grade 12
Zacualpa; Painting
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Honorable Mention
MariaEllena Ramirez, Grade 10
Coil Snake Vessel; Ceramics
Instructor: Micki Nuss
Silver Key
Alejandro Rios Solorio, Grade 12
Worlds Downside; Illustration
Instructor: Chris Holton
Silver Key
Kiki Teya, Grade 12
Transformation; Digital Painting, Drawing
Instructor: Chris Holton
Gold Key
Kiki Teya,Grade 12
Fear of the Dark (Nyctophobia); Digital Painting, Drawing
Instructor: Chris Holton
Honorable Mention
Daniela Monzalvo Tolentino
Personal Essay and Memoir
Gold Key