Merle-Smith Campus Student Varshini Kommireddy ’29 Wins Gold Key at Scholastic Art Awards

Merle-Smith Campus student Varshini Kommireddy ’29 has earned a remarkable honor, with her artwork accepted into the 2026 East Central PA Scholastic Art Awards and Exhibition. The Scholastic Art Awards, a prestigious national competition for students in grades 7–12, celebrates originality, skill, and creativity. 

Varshini’s painting, Between Worlds, received the Gold Key, the highest distinction in the regional competition. Gold Key winners from the East Central Pennsylvania region automatically advance to the national level, where they will compete with Gold Key recipients from across the country. National winners will be celebrated New York City this June.

Her work will be featured in the regional exhibition at the Miller Gallery at Kutztown University, running from Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, March 1, with the awards ceremony scheduled for March 1 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Congratulations to Varshini for this impressive achievement. Her creativity, talent, and dedication are truly deserving of this recognition.