Senior Keenan Schultz knew he had tough competition going into the Artist of the Year assembly, but his hard work and confidence paid off in the end. He was awarded the title along with a scholarship during the 21st annual AHS art assembly in Knowlton Auditorium Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m ectastic [to win the award],” he said. “It was really tough competition.”

The assembly highlighted student projects created throughout the year in several categories, including: functional clay, wire sculptures, chalk pastel drawing, and portraits. Videos made by the Artist of the Year candidates were also shown and students were able to vote in an online poll for which was their favorite. Schultz garnered the most votes and won student choice video.

For art teacher Barry Brobeck, being able to see the students grow as artists has been a rewarding experience.

“We’ve been watching these kids over the last four years,” Brobeck said.

For the art teachers, selecting the winner is not a simple task. They take into consideration how students do in class, what awards they receive and their activity in the art club, among other things. According to Brobeck, Schultz’s growth is what set him a part from the other candidates.

“His work improved vastly,” Brobeck said. “He not only won awards at the high school, but from the Minnesota State High School League as well.”

Next year, Schultz plans to attend Riverland to finish his associate degree before transferring to a four year school.

Other candidates for Artist of the year included: David Garcia, Steph Chandler, Cassie Gordon and Caitlin Gordon.