In late October, we began an Instagram campaign featuring Then & Now stories from our alumni. The posts presented a captivating variety of alumni speaking about the impact of the Scholastic Awards on their creative practices. Ranging from a beloved children’s book author to professional artists, this campaign highlighted the range of Awards’ alumni working in all different fields.
Marc Brown is an author, illustrator, and 1963 Awards alumnus. Nowadays, he is well-known for creating the beloved Arthur book and television series, but when he was a teen, it wasn’t until his art teacher entered a piece of his artwork into the Awards that he realized he could make a career doing what he loved to do.
Dr. Brittany Cavallaro is a New York Times bestselling author, educator, and 2004 Awards alumna. The Gold Medal Portfolio Award she received as a senior gave her the confidence to continue writing seriously. Now, as an educator, Brittany encourages her teen writers to submit to the Awards. “Not only are there amazing scholarship opportunities—it’s also such a confidence boost, and a terrific way to connect with other young artists.”
Kinsale Hueston is a 2016-18 Awards alumna, former National Student Poet, writer, and student at Yale University. Through the Awards and sharing her poetry, Kinsale found her voice, which has helped her talk creatively about her passions and the issues facing her community.
James Wells is a 2001 Awards alumnus and creative leader, currently working as an Innovative Teaching and Learning Manager at Crayola. Because of his Awards, he was offered a full art scholarship to his local college. Knowing how impactful early recognition can be, James has committed his entire career to inspiring young artists, creatives, and educators.
Sarah Nerboso is a 1999 Awards alumna and screenwriter, currently writing on HBO Max’s Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai. During our alumni career panel this winter, she shared how winning her Award finally gave her the validation she was looking for as a writer.
Gordon C. James is an illustrator, fine artist, and 1991 Awards alumnus. The Award he won as a student at Suitland High School confirmed that becoming a professional artist was the right path for him. Years later, he visited current students in his former art room to share one of the books he has illustrated, Crown: Ode to a Fresh Cut.
Tschabalala Self is an artist and 2008 Awards alumna. Back when she was a high school student in Harlem, her Award gave her the confidence to continue pursuing her art career, which has recently been featured in the solo exhibition “By My Self” at The Baltimore Museum.
Myla Goldberg is a writer and 1989 Awards alumna. When she won her Award, she felt that she finally had the validation she needed to make writing her full-time pursuit. Since then, Myla has gone on to publish many books including Feast Your Eyes and Bee Season.
Winston Chmielinski is an artist and 2006 Awards alumnus who describes winning his Award as “life-changing.” Having his curiosity and experimentation be recognized at an early age encouraged him to become a professional artist.
Max Joseph is a filmmaker and Awards alumnus. The Award he won as a teen encouraged him to pursue what he still does to this day—art and writing. His most recent creative pursuit, the film 15 Minutes of Shame, is now available on HBO Max.
If you’re an alum of the Awards, we’d love to hear your story! Connect with us on LinkedIn and use #mygoldkey to share about your award on social media. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to learn more about the Awards and our alumni.