Six North Dakotan teens won national awards for their creative works this year, including a first-ever North Dakota writing portfolio winner in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Presented by the nonprofit organization the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, the 99th Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are the country's longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12.

Regional participation is organized by the North Dakota affiliate of the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, a partnership between the Red River Valley Writing Project at NDSU and Plains Art Museum, Fargo.

“National recognition through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards can encourage teens to pursue a career in the arts. Many also bring their creative thinking into other disciplines,” said Kelly Sassi, Red River Valley Writing Project director and NDSU professor of English and education. “I’m grateful that our sponsor, John Deere, ISG-Fargo, recognizes the importance of creativity and innovation in all sectors of our society.”

National award recipients from North Dakota include:

• Ava Stockstad, a senior at Sheyenne High School won a National Medal for her portfolio, “To Live a Girl,” comprised of six poems and short stories.

• West Fargo High School sophomore Kadi Sacko won a gold medal in the short story category. Sacko also was named the American Voices medalist for North Dakota, as well as winning the Civic Expression Award.

• Koi Hiller, a senior from Sheyenne High School, won a gold medal in ceramics and was the American Visions medalist for North Dakota.

• Katilyn Carlson, a senior at West Fargo, won a silver medal in ceramics.

• Olivia Data, a senior at Century High School in Bismarck, won a silver medal in poetry.

• Molly Jennings, a junior at Washburn Public School also won a silver medal in poetry.

This year, nearly 100,000 teens from across the United States and Canada submitted entries in art and writing. A total of 111 teens from North Dakota received regional honors, including Gold Keys, Silver Keys, Honorable Mentions and American Visions and Voices nominations, from the local Scholastic Awards Affiliate. North Dakota’s six national medalists are among the top 1% of creative teens in the nation.

The national ceremony is scheduled for June 9 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

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