Three Harrisites recently joined the ranks of those who have been honored for their exceptional achievements. At the 105th Annual School Art League’s Award Ceremony, hosted at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, senior Samantha Kwok received the St. Gaudens Medal, freshman Isha Malik received the Haney Medal, and senior Zayed Haq received the Alexander Medal.

“I’ve always been ‘the art kid’ all my life, and I kind of gave up my chance to pursue art when I chose to go to Townsend.  I’d been very close to choosing LaGuardia High School,” says Samantha. She creates in many mediums, from drawing to sewing costumes. She will attend the Pratt Institute in the fall.

Isha Malik had never taken art classes until she came to Townsend Harris. Although she sees her sister as her artistic inspiration, Isha thanked art teacher Margherita Wischerth who helped to build her confidence. “It was only when I came to Townsend, did I rekindle that fire to create and use my hands for more than just writing,”  she says.

Senior Zayed Haq said of her photography, “Not everything is visible to the human eye and with the right equipment a photographer can make something uninteresting…into something creative and imaginative.”

He too credited Mrs. Wischerth for helping him hone his skills.

“I could not believe it –– so many had found true meaning behind my photograph just as I did,” said Zayed, summing up a sentiment expressed by all three winners.

“I will always be proud to say a photograph of mine was once a part of the Met.”