This week, fifteen students from AHA participated in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Visual Arts Festival and Exhibition. This was AHA's first year participating, and our STARS shone brightly! Out of fifteen students who participated, thirteen received awards, with eleven earning the top distinction, the Superior Award!

Student work is evaluated and recognized at three levels: Superior, Excellent, and Spotlight on the Arts.

• Superior is the highest standard-based award, and recipients are recognized with a medal and certificate.
• The Excellent Award reflects the level at which the work meets or exceeds the highest standards set by adjudicators. Winners receive a certificate.
• The Spotlight Award is an additional honor given to a small number of Superior works that stand out across the entire exhibition. These pieces advance to the State Exhibition in May, which is the highest level of recognition for high school visual art in Minnesota.

Quinn Rich '26 received a Superior Award in Painting as well as a Spotlight on the Arts Award. Her work will be included in the State Exhibition this May!

Congratulations to these STARS on their awards:

Superior Awards

• Sammy Aylward – Mixed Media
• Carolyn Heindl – Mixed Media
• Quinn Kelly – Painting
• Alexis Millenacker – Drawing
• Doris Nguyen – Painting
• Ella Northrup – Drawing
• Quinn Rich – Painting (Spotlight on the Arts Award)
• Axel Zaske – Mixed Media
• Linnea Zeigler – Mixed Media

Excellent Awards

• Jack Cody – Mixed Media
• Cynthia Jin – Drawing
• Genevieve Johnston – Painting