South Otago High School (SOHS) art department talent has netted two of New Zealand secondary schools’ top scholarships.
About 3000 pupils nationwide were eligible but only 83 received an award, including 18-year-old Bonnie Shaw (left) with her colourful year 13 portfolio.
Judgement criteria included 24 elements, with ‘‘outstanding awards’’ going to those achieving 20 or more.
Ryan Williams (17) was one of just nine ‘‘outstanding entrants’’ meeting 22 out of 24 of the criteria with work including the hauntingly graphic Ancestral Inheritance which was also an entrant in the Wallace Trust Secondary School Art Awards last year.
The scholarships came with a small financial award, but the student’s success was their recognition by the scholarship board, SOHS principal Mike Wright said.
‘‘We’re very proud of Bonnie and Ryan’s achievements. The development of their abilities is a huge credit to the arts department.’’
Ryan’s portfolio is included in an art tour to demonstrate, influence and inspire the secondary school art scene. REPORT: NICK BROOK/PHOTO: SUPPLIED
