ORHS Students Earn 50 Scholastic Art Awards and Top Honors

  • Posted January 22, 2026
Senior Lilly Smith is pictured next to her mixed media piece, Heavy.

Pictured: Oyster River High School (ORHS) senior Lilly Smith earned a Gold Key for Heavy (mixed media). Smith is also one of five students statewide who have been nominated for an American Vision Award.

Oyster River High School (ORHS) is celebrating an exceptional year in the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards, with students earning a total of 50 awards for their outstanding creativity and craftsmanship. Thirty-two students were recognized, several for multiple works of art. 

This year’s honors include: 

  • 1 American Vision Award nominee 
  • 8 Gold Keys 
  • 15 Silver Keys 
  • 27 Honorable Mentions 

ORHS senior Lilly Smith, who earned a Gold Key for her mixed-media piece Heavy. She is also one of only five students statewide nominated for the American Vision Award.

“These awards highlight the incredible creativity our students bring into the classroom and the remarkable work of our art teachers Ms. Rosi, Haudenschield, and Keeley” said Principal Noe. “Their work reflects not only artistic skill but also courage, curiosity, and a willingness to explore new ideas.” 

The 2026 Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition opens Jan. 20 at Pinkerton Academy, where all winning artwork will remain on display through the Awards Ceremony on Feb. 8. 

ORHS students’ artwork will also be exhibited at the Durham Public Library in March. The opening reception is Tuesday, March 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

View the flyer.