U-High student artists were recognized  for their artwork which was displayed in the annual Illinois High School Art Exhibition until April 23 at the Bridgeport Art Center. Five of the students were included in the Northern Regional section, two students participated and were offered scholarships in the Early College Program Scholarship Exhibition, and three students exhibited work in the Senior Scholarship Exhibition.  

Senior Jade Deng was awarded Best of Show in the senior scholarship exhibition, and junior Reid Surmeier was awarded Best of Show in the design category.

“It has definitely opened my eyes to submitting my work to more shows,” Reid said.

Reid competed in a live studio art competition along with submitting his design of a functional ergonomic keyboard, which earned him the design best of show.

“Ms. Romero and Mr. Wildeman pushed me to submit it for the show, and I was kind of glad I did because it got me some recognition,” Reid said. 

For sophomore Sygne Stole, this is also the first time her artwork has been shown at an exhibition, and she was very excited to see her work displayed.

“I thought it was really cool that it could be displayed somewhere for a lot of people to see,” Sygne said. 

While she was very excited, she also felt a little nervous about the publicity of the exhibition.

“It is kind of intimidating that it is going to be hanging up next to other people’s artwork,” Sygne said.