Two talented Oak Knoll student artists were recently recognized in the 2026 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Competition — the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious program celebrating creative achievements by teens.

Sophie Jarbath ’27 earned top honors with a Gold Key for her photograph, Blinding Lights, and also received an Honorable Mention for Welcome In. The Gold Key distinction allows her work to advance to the national competition, where winners will be announced later this spring and may be considered for Gold Medal, Silver Medal, or scholarship awards.

Marley Cioce was also recognized for her artistic talent, earning a Silver Key for her photograph Childhood Memories.

Recipients of Regional Awards — including Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions — receive an official Letter of Award and recognition for their creative accomplishments.

This annual juried competition invites thousands of students from across the northern New Jersey region to submit their best work. Each year, more than 100,000 teens in grades 7–12 participate nationwide, submitting hundreds of thousands of works across multiple categories.

The recognition of these Oak Knoll students highlights the creativity, curiosity, and careful observation that are central to the artistic process.