Eleven Argo Community High School art students have been awarded $1.7 million in college scholarships through the Illinois High School Art Exhibition, placing the school among the top 20 highest scholarship-earning schools in the state.
The students — Aniyah Brandon, Susann Dunlap, Mia Gutierrez, Simona Krceva, Emily Mniszak, Francisco Romero, Xavier Romo, Natalia Stiko, Natalia Stanibula, Leonardo Torres, and Angelica Turza — were selected to compete alongside more than 1,000 student artists from over 125 Illinois high schools. Together, all competing students are eligible for more than $71 million in annual scholarships.
In addition to the scholarship offers, Argo Junior Marlene Aguilar Delgado won the prestigious Best of Show for Photography award.
The 13th annual Illinois High School Art Exhibition ran March 14 through April 18 at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago. The exhibition was one of the premier high school art shows in the state, expected to draw approximately 4,000 students, educators, college representatives, and school administrators.
The exhibition featured works across eight categories, with more than 40 art schools, colleges, and universities participating. A College Recruitment Fair gave students and families a chance to meet with representatives. A public opening took place on Sunday, April 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Art teachers Donna Zadlo, Lisa Garrett, Alexa Edwards, and Bernice Schopf led the program that produced the award-winning work.
Argo’s Principal and interim Superintendent Brandon Cotter said congratulations were in order.
“This recognition reflects the talent and effort of Argo’s students and the support of the school’s art staff,” Cotter said. “Congratulations to all of the students whose work was selected for this honor.”
