Winning a gold medal or earning a silver sounds like something out of an Olympic dream. But silver and gold medals are awarded to more than just athletes; they are also awarded to artist and writers around the nation.

Junior Danytza Cisneros was awarded the National Scholastic Silver Key and Gold Key Piece medal for two of her art pieces. This is not her first accomplishment for art, but it is one of her greatest.

Her artwork is based on album covers and little things that she sees light hit, creating a sharp contrast. She likes to break away from the social norm in art.

“I’m inspired by Frida Khalo and Edward Hopper,” Cisneros said. “Because of the fact that their viewers can take one glance at their artwork and say ‘so and so did that.’ Their trademarks are one of a kind and I both admire and respect them for breaking away from the normality in art.”

The artwork for the contest had to be original, and submissions opened in September. Making originals could be hard but making two like Cisneros did is even harder.

“I usually brainstorm and try to do things others wouldn’t think of doing,” said Cisneros. “Sometimes weird poses or breaking up a photograph into different mediums that would complement it.”

Cisneros has always been in love with art since she started school.  She remembers winning a few awards and honorable mentions in her kindergarten art class and since then she has loved it.

“I never thought I would get this far in art,” Cisneros said. “I’ve been part of several art competitions like in Dixie Classic Fair and other local ones.”

She is shocked she has gotten this far but she thanks all the art teachers she has for her love and ability in art so far.

“When I first submitted my artwork for this competition I thought it was some of my best,” Cisneros said. “I was excited to even been considered to submit it. I have to work at least 40 hours on one piece to finish it. For it to be submitted, it has to be more than 40 hours, which I honestly don’t mind.

“I don’t really create my pieces to try and be placed in any competition, I create whatever makes me happy, the result is not always what’s expected but at least I can say I accomplished it.”

The National Scholastic Art and Writing program is the nation’s longest and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12. Gold medalists are celebrated at the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Cisneros will be going to New York in June for the ceremony.

“I am so proud of Danytza,” art teacher Jennifer Willard said.   “She is most deserving of this honor because she works so hard and is extremely talented and creative.”