Savana Heidelberg began drawing at an early age. To her the drawings were just doodles – nothing to be considered a work of art. Now, as a senior at Laurel High School, Heidelberg’s artistic work has received state recognition.
In search for college scholarships, Heidelberg found an application for the 2010 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. With a desire to receive higher education, and the need for financing her pursuit of a college degree, Heidelberg entered the competition on the recommendation of LHS Band Director Tamiko Bridges, and months later she received notification that she had received a Gold Key award in the regional competition.
The Gold Key award, which represents a first place in drawing, was exciting news for the talented artist.
“I just entered the competition to see what would happen,” Heidelberg said. “My art has never received any real exposure.”
“It makes me feel proud to know that somebody actually appreciates my work,” she continued. “I was really excited to receive the news.”
Heidelberg’s abstract drawing, titled “Quantum Movement,” is currently on display along side other Gold Key recipients at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Heidelberg said the art would be displayed until April. The regional winners’ works will then be forwarded to New York for national judging.
According to the Mississippi Museum of Art’s website, “The Mississippi Museum of Art hosts the Mississippi Regional Competition each year. Students from middle, junior high, and senior high schools from across the state participate in the competition each year. More than 2,000 entries in a wide variety of categories, including painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, sculpture, graphic design, animation, textile fiber design, as well as art and photography portfolios are judged by a panel of judges over a course of several days. The Scholastic Art Awards have celebrated 80 years as a unique presence in our nation's classrooms by identifying and documenting outstanding achievement of young artists. Since 1923, 12 million students have participated, 2 million young artists and writers have been recognized, and $20 million in awards and scholarships have been made available nationwide.”
The good news for Heidelberg didn’t stop with the Gold Key Award. She recently received notification that she is the recipient of a National Horatio Alger Scholarship in the amount of $20,000 and an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. For the scholarship, Heidelberg completed three essays on how adversity has motivated her to pursue a college degree.
“I want to attend Mississippi State University and major in biological science,” Heidelberg said. “These awards will help me achieve my dream of one day becoming a pediatrician.”
Heidelberg is an active member of the Laurel High School Marching and Symphonic bands, Beta Club, Key Club, First Priority Club, Dropout Prevention Team, National Honors Society, Principal’s Leadership Team, Future Leaders of Jones County, Teens Getting Involved for the Future, Mayor’s Youth Council, Mu Alpha Theta, and serves as band captain and section leader.
“Savana epitomizes the results of when a student is both determined and committed to doing what ever it takes to be successful,” said LHS Principal Carl Michael Day. “She not only has an artistic gift, she is a student who makes the whole school a better place.”
Photo/Lacey Walters (Laurel Schools)
Laurel High School senior Savana Heidelberg is the recipient of a Scholastic Art and Writing Mississippi Regional Gold Key award for drawing. Her abstract drawing is currently on display at the Mississippi Museum of Art. |
