Coming to terms with the loss of a close loved one can be a difficult process, but finding creative outlets to express grief can help heal. Creating a work of art or writing that explores the complex and personal emotions that accompany grief and sharing that work with others requires bravery, and we are honored to present the teens who received this year’s New York Life Award at the state and national levels. Viewers and readers will connect with their honest, vulnerable, and courageous works that can help others who are struggling with loss.
Want to apply for this scholarship next year? Learn how to get ready for the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards or sign up for a reminder on September 1, when the 2022 Scholastic Awards open for entry!
Congratulations to the 2021 New York Life Award national winners!
Madhalasa Iyer, Frisco, TX
La’Zavia Joseph, Houston, TX
Ilhana Kisija, Skokie, IL
Kale Kurtz, Harrisburg, PA
Alena Suleiman, San Jose, CA
Yuejun Wang, Powell, OH
Click on each student’s name to view their winning art or writing!
Through our partnership with the New York Life Foundation, each of these students will receive a $1,000 scholarship and will have the chance for their works to be published in our annual publications, Best Teen Art and Best Teen Writing. Their works will also be on display as part of the virtual Art.Write.Now.2021 National Exhibition.
Additional $500 scholarships will be awarded to students of the following states:
Michigan: Ava Peet and Amelie Randall
Mississippi: Jordan Cobb and Shelby Tisdale
Montana: Grace Habein
New Jersey: Jaida Louie-Hollis, Abby Saks, and Alan Yan
New Mexico: Oz Leshem and Ainara Vecchia
Am I Next?
Poetry by La’Zavia Joseph. Grade 10, Hastings High School, Houston, TX. 2021 New York Life Award
Growing up we learned
To call 911 when in danger,
They would protect us
Now we live concerned
That they’ve become a stranger
we can no longer trust
Afraid to be pulled over
because we may
become a casket owner
But they don’t see it that way,
they will never know
How we feel when our family is taken away
Pain and anger continue to grow
Towards the justice system
that wronged the black community
Along with the government standing up for them
Those who aren’t oppressed have impunity
“But you’re a child you wouldn’t understand”
Even young children know
For starters my uncle rests six feet below
Beaten and tazed constantly
by the hands of corrupt cops and
the image lingers in my mind persistently
Yet they ask “Why?”
Protest
Cause such ruckus
Start a destructive riot
We are fed up with how we live,
Being downplayed by “All Lives Matter”
The unfair treatment
Tired of living in fear
Asking that one question,
“Am I next?”
Image credit: Kale Kurtz, 2 Become 1, Mixed Media. Grade 12, Capital Area School for the Arts, Harrisburg, PA. 2021 New York Life Award