Local high school students get national recognition for their photography

EASTPOINTE, Mich. (WXYZ) - Ashley Presson and Alison Suwalkoski have earned national recognition in The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2012.

This year 200,000 works of art and writing were submitted, but only the top 1,500 have been recognized at the national level.

Alison Suwalkoski received a gold medal for her photography entitled "Abstraction of Humanity and the Human Body."

"Getting this recognition gives us a really good opportunity," says Alison.

Ashley Presson received an America Vision medal for her photograph entitled "Nightmare." Only 3 American Vision awards were granted in the state of Michigan and 15 total awards given nationally.

"It’s about child abuse .. and how it’s hidden in the shadows mostly," says Ashley.

Art teacher Veronica Belf is thrilled for her award winning students.

"They really deserve it. I'm really thrilled and happy for them!" says Belf.

Belf will accompany Ashley and Alison to the Big Apple in June. The teens will pick up their awards at a ceremony at Carnegie Hall. Both will receive scholarship money too!

“We are extremely proud that Alison and Ashley have been recognized by professional artists as being among the most talented young artists in the nation,” said East Detroit High School Principal Paul Szymanski. “Their success reflects not only their obvious individual achievements, but the high level of instruction they received here at East Detroit High School."

While in New York City, Ashley and Alison will also participate in showcase events at Parsons The New School for Design. Parsons, founded in 1896, cultivates outstanding artists, designers, scholars, businesspeople and community leaders to help create new approaches to art and design education.