In February, seniors Sam Thompson and Dylan Rice and junior Nikki Shah were given a Gold Key Award for the national program known as the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. West is proud to have such achievements in the art department this year.
“We usually do not have too many students apply and do so well,” Doug Daracott said. “I am very proud of them for taking the initiative to do this.”
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards have been going on since 1923, and have famous artists like Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates as past winners. The award is meant to recognize students for their artistic talents. The Gold Key Award is the highest award in the regional section. Students that are awarded the Gold Key are considered for national-level recognition.
“I am super stoked and have many thanks for the Scholastic Arts,” Thompson said.
Thompson is an AP Drawing student who has taken art throughout her life. Micron Pen and watercolor are her favorite mediums to use on her pieces.
“I want to become a train line bum who paints freight trains,” Thompson said.
Thompson will be attending the California College of Art and Craft in Oakland next fall to study art. After college, Thompson wants to collaborate with other Oakland artists to make art a collective for the community. Thompson’s inspiration comes from the decay of bones and collection of dust. Her favorite artist is Egon Shiele. She also enjoys sewing and eating sweet potatoes.
“To me the Gold Key Award means that other people enjoy my art just as much as I do,” Rice said.
Rice is an AP 2D Design student and has taken art throughout her whole high school career. Her favorite medium used is water color.
“My inspiration comes from my strange mind and nature,” Rice said.
Her other inspirations are Monet and Dawh. Other than her artistic talent, Rice plays the piano. She is planning on studying communication design at The University of North Texas. Rice wants to become a graphic designer for a magazine.
“I had previously won a Gold Key in my freshman year but not my sophomore year,” Shah said. “Winning a Gold Key this year shows me that I have improved. It also gives me motivation.”
Shah is an AP 2D Design student and has only taken Art 1 and 2D throughout her high school art career. Oil paint and charcoal are her favorite mediums used.
“My cousin was an artist, too,” Shah said. “When I was younger, I used to adore her artwork and was inspired by her artwork.”
Shah’s other inspirations comes from artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso. Though she does not plan on majoring in art, she plans on keeping it in her life as a hobby.
“It is a great honor nationally and it speaks very highly of their skills and talent,” Daracott said.
