On June 7-9, 2017, hundreds of students, educators, and their guests traveled to New York City for our National Events–a three-day celebration of the creative teens who received Gold Medals in the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and their educators. National Events is a time-honored tradition at the Scholastic Awards, and one that we look forward to every year!
The first day of National Events kicked off on June 7 at check-in at The Roosevelt Hotel where we welcomed students, educators, and their guests to New York City. We handed out hundreds of certificates and medals for students and educators. At check-in, the Gold Key Boutique sold limited-edition t-shirts, baseball caps, necklaces, and more to help attendees remember their time in New York. Students were also encouraged to make their mark on the collaborative mural and get their official portraits taken by a professional photographer.
While parents relaxed at a cocktail reception hosted by AICAD, students partied at the fourth annual Maker Prom: a night of music, dancing, snacks, and fun activities at different maker stations spread throughout the venue. For a third year, music was provided by DJ P.U.D.G.E. Several new and returning Maker Stations provided creative activities for students including Building Beats, Maker State, Koko NYC (Open Source Gallery), Savannah College of Art and Design, Willie Mae Rock Camp, The Creative Cookie, El Museo del Barrio, Pinky Weber, New York Film Academy, Parsons School for Design at The New School, and 92Y. Additionally, the Scholastic Awards team staffed a henna and button making station. Students enjoyed themselves making their own stickers, bow ties, Taíno amulets, pendants, virtual art with Google’s Tilt Brush, dancing, and more! The Gold Key Boutique remained open to accommodate late night purchases.
To honor the 2017 National Medalists, the Empire State Building was lit in gold on June 7.
Our National Ceremony was held on June 8 at Carnegie Hall. Special guests Amy Schumer, Ellie Kemper, and Allison Williams all spoke onstage about how the creativity of our students gave them a positive outlook for the future. YouTuber and Scholastic author Hunter March hosted the Facebook Live portion of the show. Artist Paul Chan was our Alumni Achievement Honoree.
The final day of festivities, June 9, opened with a breakfast for educators at Pratt Institute’s Pratt Manhattan Gallery where a selection of work from the Art.Write.Now.2017 National Exhibition was on display. Work was also on display at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center at Parsons School of Design at The New School. After the breakfast, our Student Showcase began at Parsons and Pratt. At The New School, we presented Gold Medal Portfolio talks, Film & Animation screenings, and put the mural from check-in on display. The National Student Poets hosted a panel at Pratt and an Albers Color Workshop helped round out the events. The day concluded with a student open mic featuring readings of works from the 2017 National Medalists.
The 2017 National Events brought students and educators from across the country to New York City for three days of fun and excitement. We can’t wait to see who joins us for National Events next year!