Whitko Art Students Honored with Regional Success, are National Bound

Whitko art students scholastic winners
Whitko Scholastic Art and Writing Award winners this year are, from left, in back: Emma Morse, Catherine Deckena, Kira Sordelet and Daelyn Korkdorffer; in front are Alena Hindbaugh, Alivia Anderson and Yareli Meyo. Grace Burnworth and Hannah Moore are not pictured.

Whitko art students continued their tradition of success winning 20 scholastic awards in the 2026 Regional Scholastic Art Contest in Fort Wayne. Their work is part of more than 2,000 pieces entered from students in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio, presented in the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Whitko won three Gold Keys, selecting Catherine Deckena’ “Barn Buddies” print; Daelyn Kirkdorffer’s “Grazing” drawing and Emma Morse’s “Roar” sculpture as national finalists. In addition to the Gold Key awards, there were nine Silver Key awards presented to Grace Burnworth, Catherine Deckena (3), Alenda Hindbaugh (2), Hannah Moore (2) and Emma Morse (2). Receiving honorable mentions were Alvia Anderson (2), Alena Hindbaugh, Daelyn Kirkdorffer, Yareli Meyo (2), Emma Morse and Kira Sordelet (2).

This year’s Scholastic Art and Writing Awards exhibit is February 14 to April 12. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 to 6 p.m., open until 8 p.m. Thursday evening and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. FWMoA is at 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne. Admission is $10.

“I’m proud of my students’ pursuit for excellence,” said Whitko art teacher Daniel Malicki. “The FWMoA’s Scholastic region has collected a large amount of national awards totals in the country over the last several years.  This is quite an honor, they should all be proud of receiving any of the awards.”