Two Holten-Richmond Students Showcased in Boston Art Display

Alexander Perkins and Marissa Giampietro, both eighth graders at Holten-Richmond Middle School, received Silver Key Awards from the Scholastic Art & Writing Annual Awards, and will have the honor of their acrylic paintings on display at the Transportation Building in Boston from Feb. 13 through early April.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have had a legacy of acknowledging the efforts of artists and their craft since 1923. Holten-Richmond art teachers Jeff Surette and Sioban McDonald have been impressed by the students talent and commitment to their art, often putting in extra time in the studio to bring their pieces to fruition. "This is an amazing honor and the two kids are wonderful students and artists," Surette said.

Both kids said they were excited to receive their Silver Keys, and the prestige that comes with it.

"I was very surprised; some of the other paintings submitted were amazing. I spent a lot of time on it, but I was blown away when I won the award," said Perkins.

Perkins is in his first year of All Year Art with instructor Jeff Surette, and has managed to maintain High Honors status, all while actively participating on the track and swim teams.

As a focused individual, Perkins said the most essential advice he could give to others would be to always have balance between school, athletics, family and social time. His mother, Sandra Perkins was very pleased with his latest achievement, noting it "was so nice for him to receive the Silver Key. I thought, wow, you really are a well rounded kid, Alex!"

For Marissa Giampietro, this art project was different than any other project she’d ever worked on before. "I had to work on the painting for about 20 hours,” she said, noting that her key to success is to strive for perfection. As it turned out, all the extra effort paid off for the busy thirteen year old, who is also an honor roll student and two sport athlete, participating in both cheering and softball at the middle school.

Giampietro’s advise to other kids was simply, “Do it for yourself and not for others.  You'll be happier with what you have accomplished that way."