District News

Sean Chen, a freshman at Bernards High School, received notice mid-spring that his painting, Love Language: Dim Sum, had earned both a Gold Medal and the Flaunt It Award from the 2026 National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation's most prestigious teen art competition that has been running since 1923.

This year, more than 110,000 students submitted over 335,000 original works. Fewer than one percent earned a Gold Medal. Simultaneously, the Flaunt It Award recognizes teens who courageously share stories about what makes them different. Each year, the Flaunt It Award is given to only two students nationwide, one art winner and one writing winner, making it one of the hardest awards to receive.

Chen’s award-winning painting, Love Language: Dim Sum, is a tribute to his culture and connection, portraying himself and his grandfather enjoying the warmth of a traditional Chinese meal, which is built with small, shareable dishes and tea, bringing both nostalgia and cultural pride.

“As an artist, I believe the paintbrush is a powerful tool of expression, giving form and color to the emotions that words alone cannot frame,” shared Chen.

Now a student in Art III Honors under the guidance of BHS Art teacher Gillian Crisman, Sean is on track to enter AP 2-D Art and Design in the fall. "It’s honestly pretty rare to see a freshman come in already at an Art 3 level, but Sean is just on another level. To see him win such a prestigious award this early in his high school career is incredible, but not surprising if you’ve seen his work,” added Crisman. “I’m constantly in awe of how he thinks, creates and communicates through his art!”

In addition to the incredible accolades he has received on a national level, Chen will be honored at the May 20, 2026 Somerset Hills Board of Education Meeting.