Gabriella Olson, a 9th grade art student at AHA, recently won a National Gold Medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her editorial cartoon. She is one of only five students in the country to earn this prestigious honor in the category. In addition, Gabriella received a $2,000 scholarship and a National Silver Medal for her flash fiction writing.

“Gabriella’s achievements reflect her incredible dedication and creativity,” said Andrea Bagdon, art teacher. “She is the first student at AHA to be recognized nationally in both visual art and creative writing through the Scholastic Awards, and we are incredibly proud.”

Her accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and the supportive environment at AHA that nurtures young talent.

July 2025 Update:

In late June, Gabriella attended the national awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Gabriella said of her award, “It is an honor to be recognized at this level as a young creative. My work has always been about shedding light on topics I am passionate about and sharing my perspective on a complex, ever-changing world. I am grateful to Holy Angels for acknowledging and supporting me and my creative journey. Young people have always been a part of change, and through imagery and words we can make ourselves heard".

"It was great fun to celebrate Gabriella and the other awardees at Carnegie Hall this year-- we were deeply impressed by the courage, the observations, the dreams and the sheer brilliance of this generation of teens," said Gabriella's mother, Elaine De Franco Olson, "Thank you to the Academy of Holy Angels for continuing to nurture and encourage young people on their journeys of learning and curiosity".