North Ridgeville High School senior Alaya Wilson has achieved remarkable recognition by winning an American Vision award for her photograph titled, Still, in the 2025 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. This prestigious accolade is particularly notable as only five American Vision awards are awarded per county, allowing Wilson to advance to the national competition level.
Wilson’s journey in photography began when she enrolled in a photography class during her sophomore year at North Ridgeville High School. Since then, she has honed her skills and transformed her passion into a successful photography business, specializing in portraiture and even shooting two weddings last summer. Her photography teacher, Dalia Erney, praised Wilson’s dedication and growth, stating, “The passion Alaya embodies for her photography has really become the avenue for her personal and creative growth on many levels. I have seen her become a shining star and I couldn’t be more excited for her. I can’t imagine a more deserving student.”
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are highly competitive, with over 1,400 works submitted this year alone. Entries are evaluated by panels of professionals who determine recipients of Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mentions. Gold Key winners, like Wilson, are eligible to compete nationally. Each year, more than 1,500 students receive awards at the national level, with past notable winners including artists and writers such as Andy Warhol and Sylvia Plath.
North Ridgeville students have performed exceptionally well in this year’s competition, earning a total of four Gold Keys, eight Silver Keys, and thirteen Honorable Mentions. The opening reception for the exhibition showcasing these works is scheduled for January 18, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the LCCC Stocker Center in Elyria, Ohio.
The success of students like Wilson highlights the vibrant arts community at North Ridgeville High School, where creativity and talent are nurtured. As Wilson prepares to compete on a national stage, her achievements serve as an inspiration to her peers and a testament to the quality of education and mentorship available at her school.
