For the seventh time in as many years, a talented high school artist from AACPS has won a distinction bestowed upon only one or two students nationally. As the sole recipient of the National Art Education Association’s 2016 Rising Stars Secondary Recognition Award, Southern High School senior Sienna Broglie joins an exceptional list of student artists.
Six Rising Stars have come from Southern High School, a clear testament to the strong visual arts program at the school led by nationally-recognized art educator Michael Bell.
“This is an immense honor. Not only is it validation for all of the hard work that I have put into my portfolio, but it is a part of carrying on Southern High School’s legacy,” said Broglie. “I remember looking up to Mr. Bell’s seniors who were winning this award and thinking maybe one day I can be as great as they are.”
Inspired by her peers, Broglie has been sure to leave her own mark. She leads and encourages other artists as the president of the Southern HS chapter of the National Art Honor Society. She has also won a Scholastic Arts Gold Medal for her painting Mould Me, which is now a part of the national traveling exhibit Art. Write. Now.
“Sienna is an exceptional student, and an AMAZING artist – one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of mentoring, which is saying a lot!” confirms Bell.
Broglie’s talent is undeniable – it transcends many forms of artistry as exemplified by her recent national recognition in dance. Her piece Look At Me was chosen among more than 170 works to be featured at this year’s National High School Dance Festival.
“She’s…intelligent beyond her years, dedicated beyond her peers. It’s that inner drive and great vision (that) will take her far in life,” Bell said.
