On an evening that celebrated the fine arts at The John Carroll School, the National Art Honor Society inducted its newest members.

The National Art Honor Society shows a high recognition for students who excel in the area of arts. JC added 36 new members.
Over 40 years ago, the National Art Honor Society accepted students who deserved national recognition and has provided opportunities for students who have shown their outstanding scholarship in visual arts. The students also have to show their skills to their fine arts teachers.
NAHS Coordinator Erin Stellmon provided more insight into the society, especially during COVID times.
She said, “in [times] of uncertainty and potential isolation, connecting and acknowledging outstanding visual arts students is more imperative than ever.”
With COVID, students weren’t able to have a full recognition ceremony, so this year it was immensely important to showcase JC’s talented artists.
This year, 36 students were inducted. To be inducted, one had to be nominated by their art teacher. Art teachers look for students to be a person of artistic talent and integrity. NAHS also looks for students who represent, not just the society, but the school as well. JC’s art department also wants students who provide a positive impact on the community. Finally, one needs to be a good student and have a minimum 3.5 in art class.
Ms. Stellmon said, “Participation in NAHS provides John Carroll students, faculty, and community with invaluable benefits—including peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, service opportunities, and a way to help share their artistic talents with the world.”
Not only were students inducted at the ceremony, but a showcase was displayed of current inductees and art students, and awards were given out. Two outside judges came and donated their time to decide what pieces in the showcase deserved awards.
Ms. Stellmon said, “These awards were for their entire body of work as an AP student. Intro to Drawing, Ceramics, Digital Media/CAD/Architecture, and Studio all had their own set of first second, and third prizes as well as a number of honorable mentions.”
McKenna Smith ‘22 won Best in Show, Grace Patzer ‘22 received First Place, Gabbi Meyer ‘22 won Second Place, and Third Place went to Alyssa Kopp ‘22.
At the showcase, many different varieties of visual arts were displayed. They included ink designs and pencil drawings by the Intro to Drawing students, mini desserts, boxes, and shoes by the Ceramic classes, paintings, and self-portraits by students taking Studio, CAD “mock-ups”, posters, logos, and architectural models by Digital Media/CAD/Architecture classes.
Honors Studio students showed off their comic book pages, Surrealistic paintings, and WPA style posters, and, finally, AP Studio Students displayed their own paintings, drawings, and collages. Ms. Stellmon said, “[they depicted] themes from their AP Studio concentration.”
With the uncertainty of COVID, the annual New York City trip had to be canceled. However, the art department is pleased to announce that next year students are going back to NYC. In NYC, they visit museums and look at the surrounding areas that make up the beautiful city.
Ms. Stellmon also said that next year, “[we] are also looking for a non-profit/charity that could benefit from our talents for next year’s service opportunity.”