MATTAPOISETT — Coming from a family of artists and creating masterpieces long before she was old enough to attend school, the talents of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School eighth grader Sophia Zhou have been recognized with a “Silver Key” from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for the Massachusetts region. 

Dating back to 1923, it is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, rewarding outstanding creative achievements by students in grades 7-12. Each year, thousands of young artists across the country submit their work for consideration based on 28 categories of art and writing.

Zhou’s piece “Balancing Act,” which is a self-portrait that depicts a girl in a yellow shirt balancing three books on her head, received its accolades in the Drawing & Illustration category.

“This piece in particular was one where I was experimenting with colors. It is a self-portrait in which I tried to utilize every color in the rainbow while coloring the skin,” said Zhou, who grew up in a family of artists. “I also experimented with posture and drawing how gravity affected the books on my head. I was inspired by the symbolism of consuming knowledge, balance, and fragility.”

This year, the Massachusetts region received nearly 8,000 individual art entries. A total of 730 Silver Keys and 1,330 Honorable Mentions were awarded across the state.

“When I got the email that awards had been given, I set it aside until later that day because I did not expect anything,” Zhou said. “When I checked and found out that I had been awarded a silver key, I was shocked. My main reaction was along the lines of, ‘No way!’ It felt really rewarding to be recognized for my art.”

Superintendent Michael Nelson commended Sophie for her achievement, emphasizing the dedication and creativity required to stand out in such a competitive field.

“Sophie’s recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a reflection of her talent, hard work and passion for artistic expression,” Nelson said. “We are incredibly proud of her for earning this honor, and we celebrate the creativity she brings to our school community.”

Principal Silas Coellner also praised Sophie’s accomplishment and the importance of artistic opportunities for students.

“Sophie’s artwork demonstrates both technical skill and a unique artistic voice, and we are thrilled to see her talent recognized at such a high level,” Coellner said. “The arts play a vital role in education, fostering creativity and self-expression, and we are proud to support our students as they pursue their passions.”

Sophie and other Silver Key recipients from across the state have been invited to an awards ceremony at Cohen Auditorium on the Tufts Medford Campus on Sunday, March 16.

For more information about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and to see the full list of winners, visit the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of Massachusetts website.