Deandra Soto has been awarded a Silver Medal at the Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards Nationals event for her captivating photograph entry titled “Overwhelmed.”

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is a prestigious national competition that recognizes and encourages exceptional creative talent in students across the United States. With over 100,000 submissions received annually in various categories, including photography, the competition highlights the best in student art and writing.

Soto’s photograph “Overwhelmed” impressed the judges with its compelling composition, evocative imagery, and powerful visual storytelling. The piece skillfully captures the raw emotion of feeling overwhelmed, resonating with viewers personally and exemplifying Soto’s keen eye for detail and artistic sensibility.

As a Silver Medal recipient, Soto’s artwork will be showcased in a national online exhibition, allowing her to gain exposure and connect with a broader audience. The award also gives her various scholarship opportunities and resources to help further her artistic pursuits.

Melanie Aguilar also advanced to the national level competition with the submission “Up There.”

The Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards serve as a platform for young artists like Soto to showcase their talent and creativity, empowering them to pursue their passion and continue impacting the art world. Deandra Soto’s success in the competition underscores the importance of nurturing and recognizing creative talent as these young artists shape the future of the arts community.

Ivan Silva serves as the advisor for RedGold News Student Publications, where he mentors student journalists and oversees all aspects of the publication. In addition to his work with RGN, Silva teaches Dual Enrollment courses in Speech Communication and Interpersonal Communication, helping students bridge the gap between high school and college-level academics.

He is also an adjunct instructor at South Texas College (STC), where he brings his expertise in communication studies into higher education classrooms. On campus, Silva is actively involved as the UIL Coordinator and UIL Journalism Coach, guiding students to success in academic competitions at the district, regional, and state levels.

Through his combined roles as Journalism Advisor, RGN Advisor, and educator, Silva is dedicated to fostering student voice, leadership, and excellence in communication, both in print and beyond.