The artists at Lakeview continue to impress the community with their dedication, creativity, and exceptional talent. Recently, several Lakeview students were honored at the Scholastic Art Event held at Youngstown State University’s gallery, an exhibition that highlights outstanding artwork created by high school students from across the region. The event awards distinctions such as keys and honorable mentions, with select pieces advancing to the national level. Among the Lakeview High School participants, Lakeview seniors Avery Oaks, Camryn Ross, and junior Anna Haynie achieved remarkable success, each reaching important milestones in their artistic journeys.
For Oaks, this year’s Scholastic Art Event was especially meaningful, as it marked her second and final year participating. As a senior, she took advantage of the opportunity to submit a six-piece portfolio, a challenge reserved for graduating students.
“As seniors, you can enter a six piece portfolio which Camryn and I both did,” Oaks explained. Her portfolio featured colored pencil works that incorporated pop culture elements, allowing her to present a consistent artistic style. Oaks’ dedication paid off when she earned “2 silver keys for 2/6 pieces” from her portfolio, while “the other 4 pieces received honorable mentions.” Being recognized for every piece she submitted was “beyond exciting” and made the experience unforgettable.
Reflecting on her time in the program, Oaks shared, “This was my second and last year participating in the event, and I will miss this experience so much,” highlighting the lasting impact the Scholastic competition had on her growth as an artist.
Ross’s accomplishments at the event were equally impressive and historically significant for Lakeview. She was nominated for the American Vision Award, placing her artwork among the top pieces submitted and in consideration for Best in Show.
Ross admitted that she was “very surprised that my piece has been up for so many high level awards,” and described learning about her nomination as “incredible.” She expressed how “honored” she felt, especially considering that “out of the past 20 years at Lakeview only 4 other people have experienced this.” Her nomination allows her to represent Lakeview at a national level in New York, an opportunity she is eagerly anticipating.
Ross shared her excitement, saying, “I am so excited to represent Lakeview in New York at a national level and I’m really looking forward to seeing how far my piece will make it nationally.” Her achievement not only reflects her individual talent but also marks a moment of pride and history for the Lakeview art community.
Haynie also reached an important milestone by having her artwork featured in the Scholastic Art Event. For Haynie, the experience was deeply meaningful because it pushed her outside her comfort zone.
Haynie explained that “it really meant a lot being able to have an artwork in a show like the Scholastic,” especially one that required her to “branch out when creating and attempt a style I’ve never really considered before.” This willingness to take creative risks allowed her to grow as an artist and gain confidence in her abilities.
As it was her first time being included in a larger art show, the experience left a lasting impression. Haynie shared her excitement, saying it was “my first time being featured in a bigger art show and I’m so excited to see what I’m going to achieve in the future.”
The achievements of Oaks, Ross, and Haynie demonstrate the strength, passion, and creativity of Lakeview’s student artists. Their success at the Scholastic Art Event at YSU highlights not only their individual talents but also the supportive environment that encourages artistic exploration and excellence. Through their hard work and accomplishments, these students have brought pride to Lakeview and set an inspiring example for future artists.
