Shady Side Academy freshman Hyelim "Rose" Lee was selected as a national medalist in the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation's longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12. Lee's painting, Past Memories, was awarded a Silver Medal in the national competition.

"This recognition makes me feel more confident about my works and encourages me to make more paintings," said Lee. "This was my first oil painting, so I felt a little skeptical. However, throughout the process, I enjoyed working with oil, and I feel very proud of the end result."

Lee was one of 16 SSA art students who won Scholastic Art Awards at the regional level, and one of 10 students whose works won regional Gold Keys to advance to the national competition.

Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity and talent of our nation's youth and provided opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated. The awards are presented by The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, which partners with visual and literary arts organizations across the country to bring the awards to local communities. Teens in grades 7–12 can apply in 29 categories of art and writing; this year, students submitted more than 330,000 works at the regional level. Submissions are juried by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, who look for works that exemplify originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Students receiving regional awards are celebrated at local exhibitions and ceremonies, and regional Gold Key-winning works advance to the national competition. Notable alumni of the awards include Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Stephen King, Richard Linklater, Zac Posen and Lena Dunham.

Congratulations, Rose!