This post originally appeared in Scholastic’s On Our Minds blog on October 13, 2011.

Have you ever been caught up in an internet search, lost track of time and then found something remarkable?  As a new Scholastic team member this has been happening a lot to me but this one had me amazed.  The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is currently in its 89th year.  That is a fact.  We know it.  But do we completely understand its legacy?  I’m not sure that I did until I found an article online from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s April 27, 1937 edition.  Reporter Jeanette Jena wrote an entire piece dedicated to the nationwide “arts and crafts” competition which was about to open a public exhibit of teen-produced art at the Carnegie Institute, sponsored by the magazine Scholastic.  Amazing!

It is fun to read about the different pieces of teen artwork from the 1930s and to consider for a minute what life was like back then.  The entire paper is a snapshot into history.  You can read about the recent floods and see ads boasting wedding rings for as little as $10!  My favorite part of the Ms. Jena’s article is:

“Indeed, these young people from 14 to 18 years, need no child-prodigy condescension from their elders; they have something to say, they know how to say it, and they enjoy doing it as only a good craftsman can.”

Here, here!  That is as true today as it was in 1937 and none of us could have said it better.  To all the creative teens out there, I hope you will consider entering the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards to be part of this legacy but most importantly, keep doing what you are doing and inspiring others.

Do you know a creative teen that you can pass this on to?  We’re also asking Award alumni to get back in touch us as we prepare to celebrate 90 years.  We hope to hear from you!