By Marisa Dawson, Courtesy Photos
Bennington Middle School students recently earned statewide recognition for their creativity and artistic talent through the 2026 Scholastic Art Competition, showcasing a wide variety of artwork and gaining valuable experience along the way.
According to art teacher Amy Blanchard, students in grades seven and eight submitted several different forms of artwork to the competition, just as many high school students did as well.
“Students in grades 7 and 8 submitted a variety of work,” Blanchard said. “We submitted acrylic paintings, clay pieces, food sculptures made of toilet paper, and mixed-media work.”
Blanchard said opportunities like the Scholastic Art Competition are especially meaningful for middle school students, helping them build confidence while encouraging self-expression and creative risk-taking.
“These State Art opportunities help students see the value of their work and be seen,” she said. “Any time they can be recognized for their creativity and hard work it helps them continue to take risks in art and create more pieces.”
Several students earned recognition this year, with one seventh grader receiving an award alongside a group of eighth grade artists. Blanchard said students had a mix of reactions when they learned their work had been selected. “Yes, students were surprised and some were embarrassed, but that is the middle school age,” she said.
The awards ceremony itself became a memorable experience for many families and students. “We had a great turn out at the awards ceremony! Six of eight students came to be recognized,” Blanchard said. “It was nice to see their work displayed in person. Each student walked across the stage and was recognized while their work was shown on a big screen. Family and friends attended.”
One standout moment came from eighth grader Lucy Cottam (pictured below), who earned three awards, a rare accomplishment for the school.
“8th grader, Lucy Cottam received THREE awards which is very hard to do,” Blanchard said. “That was a first for Bennington Middle School. She is a quiet artist and I think these awards really made her see the value in her work and her talents.”
Blanchard emphasized that middle school is an especially important time to encourage creativity because many students are navigating self-confidence and concerns about peer judgment.
“Middle school students are often more self-conscious and worried about judgement,” she said. “Encouraging creativity helps build confidence and allow them to express themself in a healthy way. Art can also reduce stress and provide an emotional outlet during these middle school years.”
Throughout the school year, Blanchard said she has seen students grow not only artistically, but personally, as they challenge themselves and dedicate extra time to improving their work.
“I have seen students grow throughout the school year by challenging themselves on their projects,” she said. “I also have many students that come in during study hall to put in extra time on their work. They are pushing past the basic expectations.”
Beyond artistic skills, students participating in competitions like Scholastic also gain life skills that extend outside the classroom. “Risk taking, self-confidence, critical thinking, problem solving,” Blanchard said when asked what students gain from the experience.
The competition and recognition provided students with an opportunity to celebrate their creativity while highlighting the growing talent within Bennington Middle School’s art program.
