Students honored for their art at star-studded national event

Two students from Lincoln Public Schools were recently honored for their art during a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Every year, the Scholastic Art & Writing Alliance partners with more than 100 visual arts and literary arts organizations across the country to honors students in grades 7-12 for their work. This year, more than 340,000 students entered submissions; only 2,700 earned national recognition. 

Sarah Al-Hilfy Leon, a recent graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School, won the Silver Medal with Distinction for her photography portfolio, “Red, White, and Blue.” Her instructor was Amber Burhman. Milan Reeves, a recent graduate of Lincoln North Star High School, won the Gold Medal for Digital Art for her submission, “Thank you, Mom.” Her instructor was Brooke Gillotti.

The students, accompanied by their teachers, were honored during a ceremony June 6 at Carnegie Hall. Guest speakers included Emmy-winning actress, writer and producer Tina Fey; Emmy-nominated actress Rose Byrne; and the 22nd poet laureate of the United States, Tracy K. Smith.


Published: June 25, 2019, Updated: July 1, 2019

Sarah Al-Hilfy Leon, a recent graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School, with her photography portfolio, “Red, White, and Blue.”