High School Student Alisson Garcia Molina Wins National Gold Medal in Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

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Aldine High School junior Alisson Garcia Molina, the talented artist behind the lens, has earned a prestigious National Gold Medal in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her black-and-white self-portrait photograph titled Salvatore. “I’m thrilled and honored to receive this recognition,” Alisson shared.

Alisson’s achievement is truly exceptional. She is among only 32 students nationwide to receive a National Gold Medal in the 2025 season and the sole Aldine ISD student to advance nationally this year.

“We are so proud of Alisson and the dedication of our visual arts educators in fostering creative excellence in our students,” said Kaileigh Newman, Aldine ISD’s director of visual arts.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. It provides a platform for over 100,000 students from across the country to showcase their artistic and literary talents in categories such as photography, painting, poetry, journalism, and more.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. It provides a platform for over 100,000 students from across the country to showcase their artistic and literary talents in categories such as photography, painting, poetry, journalism, and more. Each year, a select number of student works from across the country are awarded national honors.

Earlier this year, Alisson earned a regional Gold Key award from the 2025 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards hosted by the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) for Salvatore, qualifying her entry for national consideration. The national award announcement was made public on March 26.

“I was inspired by the charm of vintage aesthetics,” said Alisson. “I wanted to recreate that classic feel in a way that still feels personal and real.”

Salvatore, a carefully framed mirror self-portrait, captures what Alisson describes as “the intimacy of getting ready when you’re at your most vulnerable and genuine.” The image was the result of a thoughtful process: setting up a camera in front of a mirror, meticulously adjusting angles to keep equipment out of view, and taking multiple test shots until the framing felt just right.

“When I found out I won, it was surreal,” Alisson said. “My mom and I opened the website together and practically jumped out of our seats.”

This is the first time the 11th grader has entered the Scholastic competition. Alisson says the recognition has validated her as an artist and solidified her future goals.

“I hope to become an art professor or teacher,” Alisson said. “All of my art teachers have taught me something valuable, and I want to pass on that love of self-expression.”

National Medalists receive certificates and medals and are considered for exhibition, publication, and scholarship opportunities. Gold Medal recipients, like Alisson, are invited to attend the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 11. For Alisson, the trip marks a longtime dream come true for the young artist and her family. Just as excited is Newman, who shared that she can’t wait to cheer her on in New York.

Birgit Langhammer, Alisson’s art teacher at Aldine High School, said she wasn’t surprised by her success.

“Alisson is extremely talented and always willing to experiment,” Langhammer said. “She lights up the room with her energy and is fully engaged in the creative process.”

Langhammer added that programs like the Scholastic Awards offer vital opportunities for students to be recognized beyond the classroom.

“It’s a highly prestigious program where our students can join the ranks of now-famous artists who have won in the past,” Langhammer said. “It’s always amazing to see what our students create when motivated and inspired.”

Newman said Garcia’s recognition reflects the strength of the district’s growing visual arts program.

“This national recognition highlights the exceptional quality and continued growth of Aldine ISD’s visual arts program,” Newman said. “The outdated notion of the ‘starving artist’ no longer defines the future — our students are thriving creatives with access to real-world pathways in the fine arts. In Aldine, our students are artists, and their talents are being recognized on a national stage.”

Newman also shared that student artwork will be on display at several upcoming events, including the “Creative Pursuit” exhibition hosted by the district’s Visual Arts Choice School on April 24 at the Baker Ripley Center. García’s photograph will be displayed throughout the summer at the Bamberg Building. Additionally, campuses will host end-of-year art showcases as part of their family events.

“We must continue to show up and support our student artists—their creativity deserves to be celebrated by the entire community,” Newman said.

“This is an incredible honor that speaks volumes about the creativity and dedication of our students and educators,” Newman said. “

Alisson’s recognition continues a strong tradition of artistic excellence within the district’s visual arts programs. In recent years, AISD students have received multiple awards at regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards events. Several AISD art students have also earned national recognition, including American Vision nominees in 2024, 2020, and 2015, and a National Gold medal in 2023 and 2019, and a National Silver medal in 2023.

For more information on the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, visit artandwriting.org.