Staples High School Student Wins Prestigious Photography Award

WESTPORT, CT — A Staples High School student has earned a National Gold Medal in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a national program recognizing creative work by students in grades 7–12.

Case Robinson received the award for his photograph, “Rising in the Dawn: The Calm Before the Flight.” The work was selected from more than 335,000 submissions from students nationwide, according to program organizers, who evaluate entries based on originality, technical skill and personal vision.

Robinson’s photograph advanced to the national competition after receiving a Gold Key at the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards.

Staples High School submitted 30 works to the regional competition this year. The school’s visual arts program serves nearly 1,000 students, including about 300 enrolled in photography courses.

Stephen Zimmerman, music and visual arts coordinator for Westport Public Schools, said the recognition reflects both Robinson’s work and the district’s arts education programs.

"Earning a National Gold Medal is an extraordinary accomplishment," Zimmerman said in a statement. "We are incredibly proud of Case’s work and grateful for the support of our K–12 arts educators and the Westport community. I also want to recognize the exceptional guidance of Mrs. Choi and Mrs. Phelan, whose work with our photography students helps make achievements like this possible."

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, founded in 1923, have recognized a number of notable alumni, including artist Andy Warhol, author Stephen King and poet Amanda Gorman.

Robinson has been invited to attend the program’s national awards ceremony scheduled for June 10, 2026, in New York City. His photograph will also be featured in the Scholastic online galleries and in Yearbook 2026, a publication highlighting award-winning student work.

"Westport Public Schools celebrates Case Robinson, his teachers, and the Staples High School visual arts community
for this outstanding national achievement," officials said.