The nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recently announced the national winners of the 2014 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the country's longest-running and most prestigious award and recognition program for creative students in grades seven through 12.

Sixteen high school seniors received the highest Scholastic Art & Writing Awards honor, the Portfolio Gold Medal, which includes a $10,000 cash scholarship.

In addition, all National Award–winning high school seniors are now eligible to apply for a special pool of more than $8 million in scholarships.

Recipients of the 2014 National Medals include: Heather Koehler, of Emmaus High School, a gold medalist; Nicolas Capri, of Emmaus High School, Shannon McGowen, of Emmaus High School, Mara Ruzicka-Butz, of Emmaus High School, Bria Pickel, of Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, all silver medalists.