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North Warren Art Students Awarded Over $100K Scholarships

Art Show Displays More Than 300 Works Across Multiple Mediums

June 24, 2025

Student next to tiger artwork — North Warren sophomore Kaydence Iwanicki earned second place in the All High School Drawing and Painting category at the Mount Olive Art Invitational. Photo by Joe Phalon.

It was an evening to shine for the artists of North Warren Regional High School.

The school’s annual art show, held on May 29, has grown each of the past few years, with more than 100 works by dozens of students on display this year.

Student putting finishing touches on artwork display — Reinyerd Quijada was one of several student-artists demonstrating their talents at the North Warren Regional High School art show. Photo by Joe Phalon.

Art teacher and art show advisor Kelly Laverde said the talent of the student-artists was not only recognized by the school administration, but also by a number of college-level art schools.

“Last night was a time to celebrate the talents of the art students of North Warren,” she said. “It was also an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the students who have been offered scholarships to continue their work.”

Student standing beside many pieces of art, including her own — Millie Arias’ work was featured at the art show. Photo by Joe Phalon.

Six North Warren students were awarded scholarships of $100,000 or more to several prestigious art schools throughout the United States.

“We have some amazing scholarships,” Laverde said. “We have some incredibly talented and very high-achieving students.”

Colton Sikkes was one of more than 50 student-artists featured in the North Warren Regional High School art show. Photo by Joe Phalon.

North Warren was also well represented at the Mount Olive Art Invitational. Sophomore Kaydence Iwanicki took second place in the All High School Drawing and Painting category. Junior Brooke Salmon and sophomore Nick Nasta were each awarded $100,000 scholarships to the University of Hartford’s Hartford Art School. Alex Marrero earned a $100,000 scholarship to Moore College of Art & Design.

As they have for the past several years, the students themselves organized the show, with Laverde offering guidance when needed.

The show featured more than 300 works by over 50 students in a wide range of mediums, including oils, acrylics, pastels, drawing, computer graphics, AI-assisted art and wood and metalwork.

Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Joe brings decades of journalism experience to the Ridge View Echo, covering everything from local school boards to the U.S. Supreme Court. A former National Law Journal editor and Columbia Law School press officer, he now enjoys telling community stories in Blairstown, where he lives with his wife, Rose, and their two dachshunds.