Whiz Kid: Natalie Kucken

Accomplishments: This L'Anse Creuse High School junior’s photograph entitled "Mermaid" was recognized nationally by the Scholastic Art Awards with a National Silver Medal award.  More than 12,000 Gold Key art and writing works were judged.

Kucken's digital photograph captures a girl jumping in midair onto a bed with a colorful, diaphanous sheet draped over her. A national celebration will be held in New York City at Carnegie Hall May 31 that will feature the piece. Kucken is a second-semester photography student.

"This is a big deal,” L’Anse Creuse High School art teacher Janet Prange said.  “She entered nine pieces into the regional competition and received five Gold Keys.  I can't wait until next year when she does a portfolio.” 

Key to Success:  “Natalie is very mature personally and artistically and really shows her creativity in her photography work,” said Prange.  “She works independently and maintains her own website of her work.”