For many students, graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For two recent Aldine Independent School District graduates, it also means a trip to New York City and national recognition for artistic achievements that have placed them among the most talented young photographers in the United States.

Stephanie Leiva and Alexandra de León, seniors at Blanson Career and Technical Education High School, have earned National Gold Medals in photography through the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious and longest-running recognition programs for creative students in grades 7-12.

Their achievement places them among an elite group of student artists nationwide and highlights the growing impact of visual arts education within Aldine ISD.

A National Honor for Two Aldine ISD Graduates

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards attract hundreds of thousands of entries annually from students across the country. This year, more than 335,000 submissions were entered by over 110,000 teens.

National Gold Medal recipients represent less than one percent of all participants.

The 103rd Class of National Medalists includes just over 2,500 works nationwide. Within the Harris County region, nearly 130 students earned National Medals, but only two came from Aldine ISD — Leiva and de León.

The recognition comes with an invitation to Carnegie Hall in New York City, where National Medalists will be honored during a ceremony on June 10 alongside fellow award recipients, educators, family members, and supporters from across the country.

For Leiva, the experience is especially meaningful. She will be visiting New York City for the first time as part of the celebration.

“For me, I’ve always been driven to create art for myself. I knew I had the ability to compete – I just had to put my art out there.”

Photography Becomes a Platform for Storytelling

While both students found success through photography, their artistic journeys and subject matter reflect different personal perspectives.

Leiva’s award-winning portfolio explored themes of climate change and sustainability. Her photograph, Blinded Truth, examined the role plastic plays in everyday life through a striking image featuring common household items wrapped entirely in plastic.

The project emerged from questions she developed during the creative process and allowed her to combine visual storytelling with environmental awareness.

“Art didn’t pull me in like photography did. I liked being able to build the story throughout the process.”

For de León, photography became a way to explore themes of womanhood, family, and identity.

Although she had been involved in art since middle school, she only began pursuing photography during her junior year after being inspired in part by her father’s collection of cameras and family photographs.

“I’ve always been in art going back to middle school. I never tried photography until junior year. My dad is the one who owns a lot of cameras, and we have a whole bunch of pictures at home…but I really enjoy it now even though I didn’t think I would.”

Her award-winning piece, Act of Faith and Love, centers on her relationship with her mother and the role faith played in shaping her upbringing. The photograph depicts her mother preparing food in the kitchen while surrounded by candles, symbolizing nurturing, devotion, and family tradition.

“Only my mom would be willing to get in the kitchen in the middle of the night and make quesadillas and tortillas for me. I just loved that it was her, and I could show her. This is her in my eyes.”

What This Means for Aldine ISD Students

The recognition marks another milestone in Aldine ISD’s efforts to expand opportunities for students beyond traditional classroom experiences.

Leiva and de León become the district’s second and third National Medalists in the past two years, demonstrating the strength of programs that encourage students to pursue creative passions while developing professional-level skills.

Their success also reflects the value of partnerships between school districts, educators, and organizations such as the Harris County Department of Education, which serves as the second-largest regional affiliate of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Blanson visual arts teacher William Brink said the recognition represents the highest level of achievement available to aspiring student artists.

“I’m incredibly proud of both Alexandra and Stephanie,” Brink said. “I enjoy pushing students to compete because I know what it can mean for them to have these formative experiences and there is no higher award than the National Scholastic Gold Medals for aspiring artists.”

Aldine ISD Director of Visual Arts Kaileigh Newman noted that the accomplishment reflects both technical skill and personal artistic growth.

“These extraordinary wins place Aldine ISD students in the top tier of national talent,” Newman said. “This outstanding achievement truly reflects the technical mastery and emergence of unique personal voices among our students.”

What Happens Next

Leiva and de León will travel to New York City alongside fellow National Medalists from the greater Houston area to participate in recognition events and attend the Carnegie Hall ceremony on June 10.

For both students, the trip represents more than an award ceremony. It is an opportunity to connect with creative peers from across the nation, celebrate years of hard work, and see firsthand how their stories and artistic voices resonate beyond their local community.

Their journey serves as a reminder that student talent can emerge from any classroom, and that opportunities in the arts continue to open doors far beyond graduation.

As Aldine ISD celebrates these remarkable achievements, the success of Leiva and de León offers an inspiring example of what can happen when creativity, mentorship, and determination come together.

For more education news, student achievements, and community stories across the Greater Houston area, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.