Petersburg Student Wins $10,000 prize in Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Fletcher Johnson, a high school student from Petersburg, took home the top award in the 95th annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12. Johnson is one of just 16 students in the country to be recognized with a Gold Medal Portfolio Award, which includes a $10,000 scholarship.

This year, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond was honored to exhibit Johnson’s work among other regional winners of the Scholastic Awards. Johnson was one of five young artists recognized by VisArts with the American Visions and Voices Award.

As the affiliate partner for the Richmond area, VisArts received submissions from students at schools in Richmond City, Hanover County, Henrico County and Chesterfield County. Students applied in 29 various categories of art and writing and their work was evaluated by a select group of jurors.

A small portion of submitted works were then selected for Honorable Mention, Silver Key, and Gold Key awards. The center hosted an exhibition of Silver and Gold Key works in February and an award celebration on February 24.