26 Middle, Upper School Students Win Awards in 2026 Suffolk Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors Showcase

Sister Cities International 2026 Young Artists and Authors Showcase

Mar 9 2026

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is proud to recognize more than two dozen students who earned awards in the annual Suffolk Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS)!

Students from Suffolk submitted art entries across five categories, including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media and digital art. Authors submitted essays or poetry. The contest also included a category for music. All submissions reflected this year's theme, "Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow." This theme was chosen as a way to recognize the foundings of both the United States of America, which celebrates its 250th birthday this year, and Sister Cities International, which reaches its 70th anniversary this year. Entries highlighted both legacy and tradition, as participants used their voices to look and work toward a brighter, more unified future for the world.

YAAS 2026 once again featured two divisions based on age groups. Applicants between the ages of 12 and 14 competed in one showcase, while those between the ages of 15 and 18 competed in another. Experts in art, writing and music judged the entries at the local level.

When choosing winners, judges followed a rubric with three categories, including technique, composition and general artistry. For essays and poetry, mechanics were also considered. Additionally, judges took into account how the art and writing followed the theme. First place winners, which include Olivia King '30, My-My Miller '27, Matthew Piculell '26, Eva Riggs '30 and Abby Rockey '30, are now eligible to participate in the Sister Cities International contest, where they will compete against students from around the world. There is a $1,000 cash prize for winners of the international competition.

All entries in the Suffolk Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors Showcase will be on display through March 28 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Galleries at the Suffolk Center are free and open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Congratulations to all of our participating students and award winners! Go Saints!