Staff report

Mahoning Valley art students had their best showing in recent years at the 2025 Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition, including a student from Austintown Fitch who placed in the top 25 statewide.

Eight Valley students placed in the top 300 and will be recognized May 4 at the Verne Riffe Center for Government and the Arts Davidson in Columbus. Victoria Aurandt of Fitch placed in the top 25 for digital artwork and had a second piece place in the top 300. Her teacher is Adam Leskanic.

Breanna Hemming of Boardman High School will have her artwork hung in the governor’s office as part of a cameo show. Her teacher is Kevin Hoopes.

Others placing in the top 300 statewide out of roughly 8,000 pieces include:

• Nhi Khieu, Boardman (instructor Jenna Hudock).

• Truly Jacops, Labrae High School (instructor Katie Kistler).

• Jaelynn Orme, Lakeview High School (instructor Jeff Piper).

• Veronica Hanzes, Newton Falls (instructor Jon Hill).

• Xeira Gooch, Trumbull Career and Technical Center (instructor Cindy Hickey).

• Karina Collins, Ursuline High School (instructor Alana Campbell).

After learning she placed in the top 25, Victoria said, “As an artist, I never truly see the full scope of my accomplishments until moments like these. In my mind I’m still in elementary school, mindlessly scribbling at my desk. I forget that I’ve grown since then. I’m in awe and utter disbelief that others see such profound value in my creations. I am ineffably honored that my art is viewed in such a light.”

“I could not be any happier for her. It is incredible to see that if a young person puts in the work, their efforts are rewarded. Tori is a great example of this model. She puts in countless hours. Her consistent practice is evidenced in her final works. It is so great to see a culmination of all her efforts being showcased at a very high level… top 25 in the state. Wow,” Leskanic said.

When Newton Falls art instructor Jon Hill was asked what he thinks the impact on achievements like these can have on students, he said, “It has been my experience that an art student who receives high awards at art exhibitions has several positive impacts. The first and most obvious for myself is to witness the student’s face when they find out; the acknowledgement of their efforts. Someone else has validated their effort, their creativity, their visual expression. A winning student brings positive attention to our art department, raising its profile at school as a viable and worthwhile academic class; one that has awards if you work hard. This often raises the prospect of student enrollment in the following years. It also raises the bar of future work when you can show them exactly what has been recognized as superior. This momentum can also extend into media exposure of the individual students and school.”

Veronica described her process when creating a piece like the one selected for the top 300.

“Creating the rabbit sculpture Roots of a Hare started with me wanting to demonstrate the beauty of life and death. The rabbit represents life and innocence, while the exposed roots and mushrooms growing from the ear symbolize nature reclaiming life. After sketching the design, the rabbit head was sculpted from clay with attention to detail, including the fur texture and organic growth. Once the sculpture was shaped, it was dried and fired to harden,” Veronica said. Then I used glaze to add color and bring shine, highlighting the natural elements. A final firing completed the piece, turning the concept into a finished artwork that reflects the cycle of life and death.”

Josh MacMillan, an art teacher at Hubbard High School, is the regional coordinator for the Youth Art Exhibition, as well as the Scholastic Art Show at Youngstown State University, which took place in late January.

“Teachers like Jon, Adam, Katie, Alana, Jeff, Cindy, Jenna, and Kevin are some of the best we have in our area. Not only in art, but for what they do for their students everyday. None of these shows are requirements for what they do everyday but for them and dozens more they go above and beyond to make sure our students’ accomplishments are seen and celebrated like anything in sports and academics,” MacMillan said. “The foundation of a great education starts with the character of the teacher standing in front of the room. Having the opportunity to see our area’s best young artists reach such heights is nothing short of inspiring.”