USMH Hosts Annual High School Art Show
HAGERSTOWN - On Thursday, February 26, the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH) proudly hosted the 2026 Washington County High School Art Show in the USMH Hospitality Center, 59 W. Washington St., Hagerstown.
Featuring talented high school artists from Washington County public and private schools, nearly 90 pieces were entered in this year’s show. Categories included drawing, painting, photography, digital media, and 3D sculpture/ceramics, showcasing an inspiring range of creativity, originality and artistic skill.
Local judges evaluated the artwork earlier in February and, after careful deliberation, selected first-, second-, and third-place winners in each category, along with the prestigious overall Best in Show award. Adding to the excitement, the popular USMH Staff Pick Award was once again presented to three students—an honor selected by the USMH team to recognize pieces that particularly resonated with staff.
Howard’s Art & Frames on Dual Highway in Hagerstown generously donated gift cards for the Best in Show and first-place winners.
Overall Best in Show:
Kelly Nguyen - 12 - “Tower of Babel 2.0” - BISFA - Mr. Geiman
Drawing:
1st - Han Ha - 10 - “Self Portrait” - BISFA - Ms. Merchant
2nd - Jordyn Rezvani - 12 - “Still Life Inside a Still Life” - BISFA - Ms. Merchant
3rd - Isabella Le - 11 - “Answering to a Higher Power” - Saint James - Mr. McDonald
Painting:
1st - Minhal Imtiaz - 11 - “Banana Still Life” - BISFA - Ms. Merchant
2nd - Cate Hensley - 11 - “In the Making” - BISFA - Ms. Merchant
3rd - Brittany Diaz Castro - 11 - “Am I Big Now?” - BISFA - Ms. Merchant
Photography:
1st - Carleigh Ouellette - 11 - “Snow” - CSHS - Mr. Edwards
2nd - Ilyana Powell - 11 - “Beyond the Surface” - BISFA - Ms. Green
3rd - Lily Rose Lietuvnikas - 12 - “Frogger of the Wild West” - CSHS - Mr. Edwards
Digital Media:
1st - Isabelle Coughran - 11 - “Mechanica Outlaws” - BISFA - Mr. Sheredy
2nd - Haylee Williams - 11 - “Look At Me” - CSHS - Mr. Edwards
3rd - Rory Curry - 12 - “Regrets” - BISFA - Ms. Merchant
3D Sculpture/Ceramics:
1st - Stanley Stottlemyer - 12 - “Self Portrait” - BISFA - Mr. Geiman
2nd - Liam Hall - 12 - “Father’s Best Friend” - Saint James - Mr. McDonald
3rd - Leo Green - 12 - “Teapot” - BISFA - Mr. Geiman
USMH Staff Recognition Award:
Drawing: Cameron Wishard - 12 - “3 Staxx” - SHHS - Ms. Dodson
Photography: Jaedyn Cabrera - 10 - “Fragility” - NHHS - Ms. Secrest
Painting: Cecilia Shao - 9 - “Dancing Through Life” - Saint James - Mr. McDonald
The winning pieces are currently on display in the lobby of USMH’s main building at 32 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, through Thursday, March 5 from 8 am - 9 pm. For more information, please contact Michelle Walls, Communications and Engagement Coordinator, at mwalls@hagerstown.usmd.edu or 240-527-2728.
USMH’s next event will be an Open House at its main campus, 32 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, on Thursday, April 9, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prospective students are invited to attend. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.hagerstown.usmd.edu/news/spring-open-house-at-usmh
