Darien Students Earn Top Honors From Prestigious Art Awards Program

DARIEN, CT — Darien High School student artists have been recognized for their outstanding creativity and technical skill in the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious programs honoring student achievement in the visual arts, Darien Public Schools announced this week.

Selected works will be featured as part of the 2026 Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards exhibition and awards celebration.

This year’s award recipients from Darien High School include:

• CJ Correale (Grade 11), "The Graveyard." Gold Key, Mixed Media. Special Award: Connecticut Art Education Association (CAEA) Best in Mixed Media
• James Powell (Grade 12), "Glass Reflections." Silver Key, Painting
• Natalie Treacy (Grade 11), "Garden Salad." Silver Key, Painting
• Andrea Sutanto (Grade 12), "The Colors We Stole." Honorable Mention, Painting

"These awards reflect not only the talent and dedication of our students, but also their willingness to take creative risks and communicate ideas through visual art," said DPS Director of Visual Art and Music Director Colleen Thompson, in a news release. "We are very proud of these students for their accomplishments and grateful to their teachers for their guidance, support, and commitment to nurturing creativity and promoting artistic excellence in our classrooms."

Students were supported in their work by DHS visual art teachers Lily Morgan and Jaclyn Sammis.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, founded in 1923, celebrate original student work across multiple disciplines and provide opportunities for public exhibition, recognition, and scholarships.

More information about the 2026 Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition and Awards Celebration can be found here.