Lincoln Public Schools students turned their artistic ideas into prize-winning innovations this winter through the Scholastic Art Awards of Nebraska program.
 
Students from Lincoln High, East, North Star and Arts and Humanities Focus Program captured 47 honors for their wide range of artistic talents. Judges presented them with Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention recognition in categories ranging from ceramics to comic art.
 
Arts and Humanities student Ethan Dudney pocketed four Gold Keys, one Silver Key and one Honorable Mention medal at the contest. He earned awards in photography, comic art and drawing and illustration categories.
 
“We are very proud of the students who chose to submit work for this year’s Scholastic Arts Awards, including Ethan,” Arts and Humanities teacher Michelle Hrbek said. “Ethan is a student who looks for opportunities to showcase his work, never shying away from visual arts competitions.”

 
North Star senior Chase Strohmyer also highlighted the group of LPS award recipients with his photography work. He earned four Gold Keys, four Silver Keys and two Honorable Mention medals for his efforts.
 
“Whether it’s sports or street photography, when everything falls in place and I snap the picture at the right time, it’s super exciting to see that I captured what I did,” Strohmyer said.
 
Jason Codr teaches visual arts at North Star and is the art department’s chairperson.
 
“It has been truly my pleasure to have Chase as a student,” Codr said. “I have loved working with him, helping and watching him grow. He has inspired many younger students to take photography more seriously, passing on that energy and desire to those around him.”

 
Strohmyer has taken pictures at dozens of sporting events in his role as editor-in-chief of North Star’s yearbook.
 
“I just try my best to find good lighting, subject and composition to make the picture great,” Strohmyer said.
 
“Even with all this success and talent, the best part about Chase is he remains humble, wanting to learn and help in any way he can,” Codr said.
 
Codr said the Scholastic Art Awards of Nebraska program provides a valuable experience for all young LPS artists.
 
“I think it is important for students to have their work seen and judged by others outside their classroom circle,” Codr said.
 
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