Seven Cougars garner nine awards in state art competition
BAINBRIDGE -- In a statewide graphic design and photography contest called the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, seven North Putnam students entered and earned either a Gold Key, Silver Key or Honorable Mention (with some taking more than one).
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program is the oldest and longest-running art and literary awards program for students in the United States. With more than 2,800 entries in Indiana’s Central/Southern region, only 105 Gold Keys, 182 Silver Keys and 419 honorable-mentions were declared, putting three Cougars in the top five percent.
Amanda Kramer, who teaches graphic design at North Putnam High School, said she has been entering her students’ respective works for 13 years.
“I think we’re very blessed at North Putnam because we not only have fine arts, but we also offer graphic design and photography,” Kramer said, citing middle school graphic design classes, as well. “It really is a proud moment -- sometimes, with art students, there isn’t much out their to show their ability, so things like this are really good for them to get their work out there and for people to view it and recognize them for it.
“I entered students into three categories -- computer art, which includes digital illustration or heavy photo editing,” Kramer continued. “Design, which consists of a large range of categories ... and photography.”
Those who receive a Gold Key will have their work further judged and, if chosen, sent to the program’s upcoming national show. Regardless, all students recognized for their works will have their entries put on display at Butler University’s Clowes Memorial Hall from Wednesday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, Feb. 26.
Asked for comment on the group’s recent accolades, NPHS Principal Jason Chew had nothing but praise for Kramer and the students.
“(Kramer) has been a great addition to our school,” he said. “Every year her students do a great job at this art show. We’re really excited to go to Butler on (Feb. 26) to see our kids awarded and to see their art against some of the best in the state.
“These kids are learning a state-of-the-art field in marketing and design using state-of-the-art equipment.”
Students who were bestowed Gold Keys were: Madison Angermeier for her geometric self portrait; Morganne Stinemetz for her “Silas” movie poster; and Dylan Kenworthy for his design titled Tokyo Identity.
Angermeier also received an honorable mention for her “Living in Light” photograph.
Cougars receiving Silver Keys were: Alexis Bayne, Caricature of Dali; Katie Gilliam, “Abandoned” movie poster and Creature of the Night photograph; and Josie Lyons, “Canopy Crunch” cereal box design. Chloe Greene received the group’s second honorable mention for her movie poster for “The Storm’s Gift.”
Those interested in viewing the students’ works can find them at Clowes Memorial Hall between Feb. 1 and Feb. 26, or on the NPHS Facebook page.
For more information, contact Chew or Kramer at 765-522-6282.