Celebrating Excellence: Amelia Canales Earns National Scholastic Art Gold Medal
At Tinora High School, we are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students. Today, we shine a well-deserved spotlight on Amelia Canales, a senior whose artistic talent and dedication have brought her national recognition.
Amelia was recently named a National Scholastic Art Gold Medalist, one of the highest honors a high school artist can receive. Her work was selected from over 310,000 entries nationwide in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. This honor places Amelia among an elite group of young creatives, with her winning artwork even being displayed at the Scholastic Headquarters in Soho, New York City.
A Rare and Remarkable Honor
To put this in perspective, Tinora art teacher Mrs. Erin Vance compares winning a National Gold Medal to qualifying for the Olympics or winning a state championship in athletics. “This is a big deal,” she shared. “Even getting work accepted at the Regional level is an accomplishment. But to be selected for a National award is something truly extraordinary.”
Amelia is the fifth student in Tinora history to earn a National Scholastic Award and only the third to win a Gold Medal. This year, she had five pieces accepted at the Regional level, including a standout photo that won the Juror’s Choice Award, a record-breaking accomplishment in Mrs. Vance’s time as an art educator.
A New York City Experience to Remember
As a Gold Medal recipient, Amelia was invited to a special awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Guest speakers included Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Tony Award-winning playwright, and comedian and actor Tracy Morgan, with readings by Amy Ryan from The Office and Anthony Edwards from Top Gun and ER.
Mrs. Vance joined Amelia and her mother, Stephanie, for the trip along with her own daughter, making the experience even more memorable. “We stayed in Times Square, saw ‘Six’ on Broadway, and visited amazing landmarks like Grand Central Station, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Statue of Liberty,” said Mrs. Vance. “We even mastered the subway.”
They also made a meaningful stop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a source of endless inspiration for young artists like Amelia.
A Creative Force at Tinora
Amelia’s award is the culmination of years of hard work, creativity, and passion. Enrolled in Art 5, an advanced independent study course at Tinora, she dedicated herself fully to her craft. “Amelia is a truly creative soul, and her work ethic sets her apart,” said Mrs. Vance. “She came to class every day with focus and determination. Watching her grow into a confident, compassionate, and accomplished young woman has been a joy.”
Looking Ahead
As Amelia prepares to graduate, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration at Tinora. Her journey proves that talent, when paired with dedication and heart, can take you anywhere, even to the national stage in New York City.
Congratulations, Amelia. The entire Tinora community is proud of you and cannot wait to see where your creativity takes you next.
