The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, an organization that identifies teens with exceptional literary and artistic talents, recently recognized 70 artists from Niles Township High School District 219.

Teens in grades 7 through 12 took part in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. The award offers students the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published. Past notable winners include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates.

Gold Key Winners

Gold Key winners achieved the highest level of recognition on the regional level and their work is sent to compete on a national level for scholarships.

Niles North High School 

• Andrew Ardelean (photography)
• Richa Basnet (design)
• Marom Benzaken (drawing)
• Lianne Coballes (drawing)
• Serena Hocharoen (mixed media and drawing)
• Diana Shlikhtova (drawing)

Niles West High School

• Denise Alasu (photography)
• Rebecca Bujdei (photography)
• Amanda Lay (photography)
• Jessica Klier (photography)
• Kira Pulley (photography and digital art)
• Rosey Saro (photography)
• Justyna Magiera (ceramics)
• Karoline Nissan (ceramics)
• Ema Zivkovic (photography)
• Nicole Nienow (watercolor and acrylic painting)
• Edan Scott (watercolor)

Silver Key Winners

About 10 to 15 percent of all regional submissions earn the Silver Key award, which demonstrates a high level of achievement.

Niles North High School 

• Andrew Ardelean (photography)
• Hoa Cao (design)
• Taylor Hillen (design)
• Justin Salomon (design)
• Kevin Luc (photography)
• Corie Adams (drawing)
• Shenar Dinkha (photography
• Gabrielle General (drawing)
• Anna Hershinow (drawing)
• Serena Hocharoen (drawing)
• Alexa Jasenof (drawing)
• Noreen Khan (ceramic/glass)
• Marta Lemesh (photography)
• Kelsey Pedrosa (drawing)
• Anna Poloz (drawing)
• Jungha Suk (drawing)

Niles West High School

• Jawariya Khan (photography)
• Ida Jacob (photography)
• Aisha Mahmood (photography)
• Kira Pulley (photography)
• Sarah Schierbeek (photography)
• Kate Silber (sculpture)
• Brendan Tiongson (photography)
• Jessica Phan (pen and ink)
• Beata Soltys (color pencil)
• Barbara Magiera (color pencil)
• Nicole Nienow (mixed media)

Honorable Mention Award

Approximately 15 to 20 percent of all regional submissions receive the Honorable Mention Award, which recognizes students with artistic potential.

Niles North High School 

• Andrew Ardelean (digital art)
• Arina Durmic (photography)
• Saba Kalantarpour (design)
• Regina Roberg (photography)
• Corie Adams (drawing)
• Mali Gorovoy (drawing)
• Sarah Lewin (drawing)
• Mateo Ruiz (painting)
• Victoria Sorin (drawing)

Niles West High School

• Narcis Ardelean (photography)
• Carly Talhami (photography and sculpture)
• Mike Wheeler (photography)
• Ema Zivkovic (photography)
• Summer Brunson (ceramics)
• Zohair Hussain (ceramics)
• Jessica Phan (pen and ink)
• Edan Scott (watercolor)
• Beata Soltys (color pencil)
• Barbara Magiera (mixed media)
• Nicole Nienow (watercolor)