All this month, jurors across the country are reviewing works submitted to the 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards by creative teens. These jurors are evaluating works based on our three criteria: Originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. While the jurors are working hard, the students are anxiously awaiting the results of their hard work. Many are asking themselves, Will my short story earn an Honorable Mention? Will my painting receive a Silver Key? Or will my video game be awarded the coveted Gold Key?

Luckily, students won’t have to wait much longer to find out!

On February 1, 2019, thousands of students, parents, and educators across the nation will be heading to artandwriting.org to view the list of Gold Key recipients in the 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Our highest regional award, Gold Keys are given to the very best works submitted to local programs. Works receiving Gold Keys are automatically forwarded to the national level of the Awards where they will be considered for National Medals.

Curious about the difference between a Gold Key and a Silver Key, or a regional award and a National Medal? Here’s a breakdown of all the awards students can receive when they submit creative works to the Scholastic Awards:

Regional Awards

Gold Key
The very best works submitted to local programs. Gold Key works are automatically considered for national–level recognition.

Silver Key
Stand-out works submitted to local programs that demonstrate exceptional ability.

Honorable Mention
Accomplished works submitted to local programs showing great skill and potential.

American Visions & Voices Nominees
Five works, from across all categories and grades, are selected from those earning Gold Keys as the “Best-of-Show” for each local program as nominees for the American Visions & Voices Medals.

National Awards

Gold Medal
The most outstanding works in the nation.

Silver Medal
Works demonstrating high honors on the national level.

American Visions & Voices Medals
One work from each local region, from the five American Voices & Visions Nominees, will earn an American Visions & Voices Medal.

Gold Medal & Silver Medal with Distinction Portfolios
Seniors with outstanding portfolios are recognized with Gold Medal Portfolio and Silver Medal with Distinction Portfolio Awards. These honors include scholarships.

Special Achievement Awards
Additional awards and scholarships are presented through the support of our sponsors.

We can’t wait to announce this year’s award recipients! Check artandwriting.org in February to see a full list of the Gold Key recipients, and be sure to come back in March to see the list of all the National Medalists.