Deep in the halls of LHS, a special group of students can be found who all share remarkable talent and a passion for the visual arts. The Scholastic Art Club gives students within LHS the special opportunity to enter a variety of Scholastic Art and Writing Awards across the nation.

The work itself is evaluated on personal voice, technical skill and elements of principles and design. This club also morphed into an area for everyone who may not wish to enter contests. It is also a community for some artists who just want to gather and hone their craft with other artists. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize the outstanding performance of the nation’s youth, giving middle and high school students the opportunity to be recognized for their talents in visual arts.

1.“New Horizons” – By Ava Breems
This ink and watercolor piece is the epitome of a picture-perfect summer night. The windows are down, music is playing and the wind is blowing as the sun projects a palette of hues over the horizon. As the final of six pieces in her art portfolio, senior, Ava Breems, wanted this piece to embody letting go of all expectations and moving onto brand new horizons.
“I took it directly from this video a friend took of me a couple of summers ago where I am replicating the same actions as the girl I painted,” said Breems. That was a time in my life where I was just completely present, and this video felt so cinematic and really spoke to me, which really inspired me and the creation of this piece.”

2. “My Rights?!” – By Jacalyn Bechard
Using political beliefs as an outlet for social change is one of many ways to bring awareness to social issues within society. This striped background gives way to the distressed woman in the center of the piece. LHS freshman Jacalyn Bechard used charcoal pencils, of all sizes, along with a white charcoal pencil to complete this provocative piece.
“It’s in protest of abortion laws, symbolizing pro-choice meaning women should have the choice with what to do with their bodies,” said Bechard. “It’s a woman and her distressed face with a man’s hand covering her mouth. Coming out of the hand are empowering and directed statements such as ‘for the women’ and ‘my choice’.”3. “1/64th, Remembering Miss Nanny Whitehead” – By

3. “1/64th, Remembering Miss Nanny Whitehead” – Ella Ratliff
This watercolor creation is one of many favorites by LHS junior, Ella Ratliff. The red background shines a spotlight on the heritage of the artist, with herself as the main character in the middle. Hidden behind the central individual is a ghost figure, looming in the back to represent the inspiration for the piece, “Miss Nanny Whitehead.”
“It’s about my great great grandmother who was a Cherokee Native American. She was forced along the trail of tears and put into a reservation where she was signed up for the census and adopted by a family, where she then had her name changed,” said Ratliff. “Now, when we look back at those records we can’t find her name because we don’t know her by anything other than the name they gave her, which is Miss Nanny Whitehead. So, this piece is all about my heritage where I can’t prove it exactly, but I can bring it to light through my art.”

4. “Hey Kid” – By Azalea Walpole
Taken from the hallways of LHS itself, sophomore Azalea Walpole was chosen for the cover of LHS English teacher Xavier Pastrano’s chapbook (a small book containing ballads, poems, tales or tracts). Walpole decided to connect the cover of the book to the school through the use of a blue locker from the halls and a simple sticky note as a symbolic message from the author to the kids.
“I used one of the school’s lockers over by the E-wing art room, and I got Mr. Pastrano to write the title of his book on a sticky note. I put it on the locker along with a piece of tape. On the tape was his name that I wrote in my handwriting. On the sticky note was his handwriting so it was like something from the kids because he wanted the cover to symbolize something related to students,” said Walpole.

Art gives students in LHS an abundant outlet to express anything they deem important or impactful within their world. It speaks the statements that sometimes cannot be put into words and presents them through vibrant colors and unique materials. The Scholastic Art Club, and art in general within LHS, give students that special outlet to express themselves through anything they create. Whether it’s through photography, paintings, drawings or sculptures, these special students with a special talent help to make LHS the school we all know.