Sophie Confer becomes Scholastic silver medalist

Photo by Kiersten Olson

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards announced their national winners on March 17th, 2021. One of these winners, Sophie Confer, is a junior at St. Joe who won a silver key at the national level for her photography piece titled “The Local.”

“I didn’t realize how much of an honor it was. I had to beat out 320,000 people and it still hasn’t all hit me yet,” Sophie said.

In order to qualify for the national award, pieces must win gold at the regional level first. Even after this qualification, only the top 1% of submissions are recognized nationally. Sophie’s photography won gold in the midwest and she also had a photo collage that won silver at this level.

“I feel acknowledged—my accomplishment is equal to previous winners from our school which feels great to be recognized with them.”

For her piece that won silver nationally, it will be on display at Carnegie Hall in New York City. To commemorate this, her name will be engraved on the Scholastic Hall of Fame plaque in the art room. Additionally, she’ll receive a physical, silver medal from Scholastic and her teacher, Mrs. Beam, will too.