Elaina Schrader, senior, was awarded the National Silver Medal from the Scholastic Art Awards for her abstract artwork. She submitted her work in January, and the school was notified on March 16, 2012 about the award.

“I felt really honored that this piece got this award,” Schrader said.

The competition, which is 89 years old, is the biggest art scholarship program.

Famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Redford, Richard Avedon, Joyce Carol Oates, Sylvia Plath and John Lithgow have had their work recognized when they were in high school.

“[The award] is very prestigious,” Lynn Pass, Elaina’s art teacher, said. “At the national level there is a ton of competition, and few are awarded, so it’s very cool that she won [the silver metal].”

Schrader’s piece comes from humble origins; it started with Schrader experimenting with art.

“I was really just messing around with shapes and color,” Schrader said. “I didn’t have any specific inspiration besides just wanting to experiment with something new.” She used Reduction print making ink to make her artwork. This is a print making technique which involves carving away a design on a flat surface and coloring over it, so the specific color resembles the carving.

Schrader first made the artwork in Art III last year in Ms. Pass’ class.

“Ms. Pass thought it would be cool to have one of her friends (who is a professional print maker) come in and show Art III and AP Art students how to make a print,” Schrader said.

“Elaina is a great artist and a good worker, and she has great vision for design,” Ms. Pass said.

Fifteen graduating high school seniors were awarded with Portfolio Gold Medals, which include a $10,000 scholarship for each winner. Additional scholarships are made available to Portfolio Silver Medalists, like Schrader, and through sponsored awards and stipends to summer arts programs.