Wakefield Artists Earn National Recognition in 2026 Scholastic Art Awards

2026 National Scholastic Winners

Wakefield High School is proud to celebrate an extraordinary achievement by our student artists, who earned seven National Scholastic Art Medals in the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards, placing Wakefield among the top 1% of student artists nationwide. This year, more than 336,000 works of art and writing advanced to national adjudication after receiving regional Gold Keys across the country. Fewer than 2,800 works ultimately received National recognition, making this accomplishment especially meaningful. Wakefield students earned 7 of the 14 total National Medals awarded to Arlington County, a testament to the talent, dedication, and creativity of our Fine Arts students and teachers.

National Gold Medal Winners

• Alexa Bayer (Grade 12) – Abandoned Cathedral, Ceramics & Glass
• Lena Elias (Grade 12) – Decaying Heritage, Ceramics & Glass
• German Hernandez‑Naranjo (Grade 10) – Barricade, Photography
• Jayden Pena (Grade 12) – Ghost Crane, Experimental Photography

National Silver Medal Winners

• Elsa Fischer (Grade 10) – Golden Bubble Bottle, Ceramics & Glass
• Margaret Moore (Grade 11) – Quilted Memories, Ceramics & Glass
• Julia Spiggle (Grade 10) – The Ocean’s Vessel, Ceramics & Glass

In addition, this year marks a historic milestone for Wakefield: Senior Jayden Pena has earned a third National Gold Medal, setting a new school record. All National Medal winners will receive their medals this spring, and Gold Medalists and Silver Medal Portfolio recipients are invited to be honored at the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in June. Wakefield High School extends its congratulations to these outstanding student artists and sincere appreciation to the Wakefield Fine Arts Department for their continued excellence. Warrior Pride!