Out of the 56 regional recognitions awarded to Beaufort County District students who participated in the 2016 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition, Hilton Head High School earned 91% of the awards.

The prestigious Scholastic Art &amp; Writing Awards describes itself as the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative teens and the largest source of scholarships for young artists and writers. Students in grades 7 through 12 submitted more than 320,000 works of art and writing in 28 categories. Winning students earn opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarships.

“These are very prestigious awards, and to earn so many of them is a wonderful reflection of the talents of our students and the quality of our teachers,” said Superintendent Jeff Moss.

Judges evaluate student artwork based on originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal vision or voice. Former winners of Scholastic Awards include Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Sylvia Plath and filmmaker Ken Burns.

Three Beaufort High students earned Silver Key honors (2nd place): Ashton Giammona, “Miss Metamorphis” (Drawing and Illustration); Tradd Makar, “The Edge” (Drawing and Illustration); and Hannah Perry, “Wilson” (Drawing and Illustration).

One Battery Creek High School student, Annette Burkey, won an Honorable Mention for “Silent Tears” (Digital Art).