Mundelein High School students were recognized in many ways at the Illinois High School Art Exhibition [IHSAE] held in Chicago this past weekend. More than 3,000 individual entries from 100 top high schools from throughout the state participated in the event. MHS students received two major individual awards, placing them among the most accomplished artists in the state this year.

Sophomore Stephanie Fernandez-Cahue received the Gold Medal for ceramics. It recognized her as one of the top ceramic artists from Illinois. The award came with a cash prize and she was awarded a scholarship for a summer program at the New Hampshire Institute of Art.

Junior Ryan Story was singled out for a special honor, the IHSAE Visionary Award, a special award given to a student whose work demonstrates particular innovation and mastery of his or her media. He also earned a cash prize and a scholarship to New Hampshire Institute of Art.

In addition, nine students earned scholarship offers during the Exhibition. They include Nichole Babiez, offered $1,000 from Indiana University, $6,000 from Fashion Institute of Design in Los Angeles, and $40,000 from the New Hampshire Institute of Art; Nicole Casler offered $5,000 per year to Milliken University; Xochilt Cisneros offered $15,000 to Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and also from University of Wisconsin; Michael Del Rosario, $15,000 per year to Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, $20,000 per year and Syracuse and also from the University of Wisconsin; Jessica Milam offered $8,000 from Maryland Institute College of Art; Emma Roswik, offered $1,500 to Valparaiso University; Jessica Peterson , Lily Simon and Robert Zengeler each offered $6,000 to the Fashion Institute of Design in Los Angeles.

“This is a huge event,” said Michael Bale, MHS art instructor. “Essentially it is the ‘All-State’ event of Illinois visual arts.

Jonathan Pruc and Peter Schrenk are the other members of the art department faculty while David Mork is the department chair.