(Shopping News Photo by Donald Reese)

Sarah Hibbert has been recognized for numerous academic achievements at Cocalico High School. She is the daughter of Bob and Chris Hibbert of Stevens.

She has won two top awards through the Scholastic Art and Writing Contest:

1. The American Voices Medal (from the web site: “An esteemed panel of jurors selects the best of the five American Voices & Visions Nominees from each region to receive national recognition with the American Visions & Voices Medal”) for her short story called “der Kozertmeister” (“The Concert Master”). This mystery story is set in Vienna, where the conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra has been murdered and the First Violinist is suspected.

2. A Silver Medal at the National Level for her humorous story entitled “Canon Fodder.” The pun in the title refers to a cannon that shoots books rather than cannon balls. Those who are hit by a book are destined to suffer the fate of a character in the book. (from the web site: “National Medalists are celebrated at a prestigious Carnegie Hall ceremony and have their work showcased in reputable galleries in New York City.”)

Sarah’s writing talent is matched by her musical and artistic talent. She earned a spot in District Band this year with her clarinet and is currently writing and illustrating a comic book as part of an independent study course through Cocalico’s gifted program. In the fall she will attend Temple University, where she will study German, English and Law as part of a liberal arts program.

Regional Awards:

Gold Key: The highest level of achievement on the regional level. Approximately 7-10% of all regional submissions are recognized with Gold Key Awards and all are considered for national-level recognition.

Silver Key: Approximately 10-15% of all regional submissions are recognized with Silver Key Awards.

Honorable Mention: This Award recognizes students with artistic potential. Approximately 15-20% of all regional submissions receive Honorable Mention Awards.

American Visions & Voices Nominees: Five works are selected out of all Gold Key works (across categories) as the “Best of Show” for each region.

National Awards:

Gold Medal: The most outstanding works in the nation.

Silver Medal: Works demonstrating high honors on the national level.

American Visions & Voices Medal: An esteemed panel of jurors selects the best of the five American Voices & Visions Nominees from each region to receive national recognition with the American Visions & Voices Medal.