LIBERTY, NY — For the second time in the history of the Regional 2024 Scholastic Art Awards Program, a student from Sullivan County was awarded an American Vision nomination. Devyn Callahan, an 11th-grade student from the Tri-Valley Central School District, received the award for her painting titled “Jelly Spread Toast.” 

Each year, only five pieces are selected for the award. “Coming from Sullivan County, I am exceptionally pleased that Devyn Callahan’s painting won the American Vision Award for our County,” said Susan Zieres, Arts In Education coordinator at Sullivan BOCES.

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 organized and presented the award program for Sullivan, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties. 

An award ceremony was held at SUNY New Paltz on February 2.

There were over 500 middle and high school artists participating in the program. The competition had 2,640 works of art adjudicated, with 209 Gold Key winners, 276 Silver Key winners, 440 Honorable Mentions and five American Vision awards given to students to recognize their work.

“This event not only showcases the incredible talent within our schools but also encourages the pursuit of artistic excellence among our students,” said Zieres.

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

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

Samantha Mentnech, Tri-Valley Central School, one Gold Key

Endya Alvarez, Liberty Central School, one Gold Key 

Kaitlyn Bodolosky, Liberty Central School, two Gold Keys

Giovanni Flores Leon, Liberty Central School, one Silver Key

Joaquin Isler, Liberty Central School, one Gold Key

Leonel Malaga Ventura, Liberty Central School, one Gold Key and three Silver Keys

Maria Quintanilla, Liberty Central School, one Gold Key 

Allison Vasko, Liberty Central School, one Gold Key 

Rachel Yaun, Liberty Central School, one Gold Key 

The work of students receiving a Gold Key Award in the architecture, ceramics, design, painting, illustration, fashion, photography, digital art, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture or film categories will be 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. 

The artwork is displayed at SUNY New Paltz in the Fine Arts Rotundra through Sunday, February 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.