For the past 10 years, BASIS Independent Brooklyn students have consistently earned significant recognition in the prestigious Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards, which is one of the longest-running and most celebrated competitions for creative youth in the country. Each year, we take pride in honoring our winners, and this year is no exception.

Starting with writing, our sophomore Yohtaro S. ’28 took home a 2026 Scholastic Arts and Writing Gold Medal in Journalism for his article The City on My Shoulders, reflecting on his visit to Hiroshima with his grandfather. He originally published in our student news site, The Grizzly.

Shifting to the Visual Arts, our Visual Arts and Photography teacher, Mr. Opirhory, wanted to help us honor the students recognized for their exceptional work. His commentary on the honored Photography follows.

Inke F. ’30 – “One Way Street” – 2026 Gold Medal

Inke’s photo “One Way Street” captures the essence of life.  It frames a unique perspective of text, power lines, and a chaotic movement of direction, which is both literal and metaphorical.  Inke has a great eye and a classic photographic sense.

William J. ’30 – “Lloyd” – 2026 Gold Medal

William’s “Lloyd” is an odd masterpiece.  It defies traditional composition, yet feels perfect.  His use of leading lines and indifference to the rule of thirds shows a creative approach that cannot be quantified, but somehow is filled with a story, both comedic and dark.  William will surely make work in the future that pushes the boundaries of traditional techniques in the best way possible.

Eli M. ’28 – “One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap” – 2026 Gold Medal

Eli’s “One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Ben” is Epic.  It flaunts the joy of youth and action.  As “Ben” floats through the air, we see him leave the ground below, even if only for a moment.  Eli is a wonderful student and artist who exhibits clarity and confidence in his work.

Claudia S. ’30 – “City Walks” – 2026 Gold Medal

The perfection of Claudia’s photo, “City Walks,” is stunning.  She had used all available tools to frame One World Trade as a stark reminder.  Surrounded by old buildings with their archaic fire escapes and pointing up into the blank sky, the picture reminds us of the turbulent past and a boundless future.  All things are possible.  Claudia is one of those unique individuals who can rise to any occasion.  She is a prominent participant in class who is unafraid to take on anything and perfect it with tried-and-true approaches.

Therese D. ’30 – “A Tall Church” – 2026 Silver Medal

Therese’s “A Tall Church” carries the weight of our world.  It depicts a tall church, as the title states, but the contrast of light, perspective, and the meeting of the land and sky at a pivotal Gothic structure brings it all home.  It cannot be denied that empathy and collaboration are the foundation for the success humans have developed on Earth.  Therese’s wisdom is seen in most of what she does.  She is soft spoken, yet consistent in her skills.  She is a wonderful photographer who doesn’t seem to lose sight of the bigger picture.

Blake S. ’30 – “Life’s Centered Perspective” – 2026 Silver Medal

Blake’s “Life’s Centered Perspective” is an example of intelligent storytelling.  This photo was taken in a landscape surrounded by nature, yet Blake chose to barely show it.  By sub-framing the land with an imposing shadow of a structure, we realize how much we need the natural world.  The circular window amplifies this with a shape that universally represents continuity.  Blake is an amazing artist who always brings a positive demeanor and joy with her.  Yet oddly, she often photographs dark scenes.

Dalya B. ’30 – “Into the Light” – 2026 Honorable Mention

Dalya’s “Into the Light” is a wonderful metaphor for passage and perspective.  Surrounded by the shadows, she frames a path and a map.  As the eye moves into the picture, we see there is more to a journey than the current state.  Dalya is a force of nature.  She has an exceptional eye and an admirable confidence.

Elsie M. ’30 – “Construction Men” – 2026 Honorable Mention

Elsie’s “Construction Men” is a masterwork of simplicity.  We see a construction worker, high above us on shaky scaffolding, working to build something he will not reap the rewards of.  The image is a celebration of those who toil endlessly without distinction and make the greatest contributions.  Elsie is a diamond; she creates work that shines a light on many aspects of life.  

Congratulations to our many photography winners! We are incredibly proud of our artistic Bears, and look forward to their work at our upcoming Spring Fine Arts Festival in April!

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BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK– Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.