LIBERTY — Sullivan BOCES and the Hudson Valley Scholastic Art Affiliates, a consortium of organizations including Dutchess BOCES, the Enlarged City School Districts of Middletown, the Orange County Arts Council, and Orange-Ulster BOCES came together once again to organize and present the Regional 2024 Scholastic Art Awards Program for Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. The ceremony was held at SUNY New Paltz on Friday, February 2.

The Hudson Valley Regional Affiliate had over 500 incredible middle and high school artists participate in this year’s program. The competition had 2,640 works of art adjudicated, with 209 Gold Key winners, 276 Silver Key winners, 440 Honorable Mentions and 5 American Vision awards given to students to recognize their remarkable work.

“This event not only showcases the incredible talent within our schools but also encourages the pursuit of artistic excellence among our students,” stated Susan Zieres, Arts In Education Coordinator at Sullivan BOCES.

Sullivan County had nine gold key and two silver key winners.  

• Devyn Callahan, Tri-Valley Central School, American Vision Nominee, and Gold Key

• Samantha Mentnech, Tri-Valley Central School, - 1 Gold Key

• Endya Alvarez, Liberty Central School - 1 Gold Key 

• Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Liberty Central School - 2 Gold Key

• Giovanni Flores Leon, Liberty Central School - 1 Silver Key

• Joaquin Isler, Liberty Central School - 1 Gold Key

• Leonel Malaga Ventura, Liberty Central School - 1 Gold Key and 3 Silver Key 

• Maria Quintanilla, Liberty Central School - 1 Gold Key  

• Allison Vasko, Liberty Central School - 1 Gold Key  

• Rachel Yaun, Liberty Central School - 1 Gold Key 

For the second time in the competition’s history, a student from Sullivan County was awarded an American Vision nomination. Devyn Callahan, an eleventh-grade student from the Tri-Valley CSD, received this prestigious award for her painting “Jelly Spread Toast.” Each year, only five pieces are selected for the American Vision Award. To be considered for this recognition, the nominee has to exemplify the emergence of an original, personal point of view or style in their work of art. “Coming from Sullivan County, I am exceptionally pleased that Devyn Callahan’s painting won the American Vision Award for our County,” said Zieres.

Students receiving a Gold Key Award in architecture, ceramics, design, painting, illustration, fashion, photography, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, or film categories will have the opportunity to receive additional recognition. Their work is adjudicated on a national level by a panel of leading creative professionals. National Gold Medalists are announced in March and are honored during a special awards ceremony in June. 

“On behalf of the Hudson Valley Regional Scholastic Affiliate, we are proud of the artistic accomplishments of our students. We wish our gold winners luck as their work moves through the National adjudication,” stated Zieres. 

Parents and community members are encouraged to view the artwork to show their support for these budding artists. The artwork will be displayed at SUNY New Paltz in the Fine Arts Rotundra from February 2 through February 25 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.