North Ridgeville High School senior Alaya Wilson has achieved remarkable recognition by winning an American Vision award for her photograph titled, “Still,” at the 2025 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. This prestigious accolade is awarded to only five students in each county, propelling Wilson to the national competition level, a significant achievement noted by school officials.
Wilson’s journey in photography began when she took her first class as a sophomore at North Ridgeville High School. Since then, she has transformed her passion into a burgeoning photography business, specializing in portraiture and even capturing two weddings during the past summer. Her photography teacher, Dalia Erney, expressed her pride in Wilson’s accomplishments, 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. Out of these, nearly 600 were chosen for exhibition, and students from North Ridgeville High School secured a total of four Gold Keys, eight Silver Keys, and thirteen Honorable Mentions. The awards are judged by panels of professionals who select recipients based on artistic merit. Gold Key winners advance to compete at the national level, with more than 1,500 students receiving national awards annually.
The opening reception for the exhibition, which features all awarded artworks, is scheduled for January 18, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the LCCC Stocker Center located at 1005 Abbe Rd N in Elyria, Ohio. This event will showcase the creativity and talent of local students, highlighting their contributions to the arts.
Wilson’s achievement places her among a prestigious list of past winners, which includes notable figures such as Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, and Truman Capote. The recognition she has received not only honors her artistic talent but also sets a pathway for future endeavors in the field of photography. With the support of her school and community, Alaya Wilson’s journey in the arts is just beginning, and her story serves as an inspiration to her peers.
