Lake Oconee Academy's talented young artists are celebrating an impressive showing at the 2026 Georgia National Fair, earning 16 recognitions across several artistic disciplines, including photography, printmaking, sculpture, and pen-and-ink drawing.
The students earned five first-place awards, six second-place awards, four third-place awards, and a Best in Category distinction. These honors recognize the creativity and technical skill of LOA's high school visual arts students, who continue to develop their individual styles and explore new ways to express ideas through their artwork.
In the photography competition, Taylor Head earned first place and Best in Category in the ninth- and 10th-grade color photography division. Caroline Hodges also earned first place in the 11th- and 12th-grade altered photography division.
Additional first-place honors went to Leighann Padgett in sculpture/wood, Ava Todd in sculpture/wire, and Lola Latrielle in printmaking.
Other award recipients included Naomi Stone, Ayesha Sultan, Chloe VanNote, Marley Kerschner, Emmy Finch, Graham Heberling, Jane Perez, and Emma Knight. Several students earned recognition in multiple categories, including Ava Todd, who placed in both sculpture and photography, and Emmy Finch, who received awards for printmaking and sculpture.
Beyond the competition, LOA students had the opportunity to visit the fair and view artwork created by high school students from throughout Georgia. The experience allowed them to explore different techniques, discover new artistic perspectives, and learn from the work of their peers.
High school visual arts teacher Debbie Vogel, who teaches Visual Arts, AP Art and Design, and after-school art at LOA, emphasized the educational value of the experience.
"We learned so much by viewing the work of high school art students throughout the state," Vogel shared. "There is some amazing talent made greater with all the time and effort!"
Vogel's approach to art education goes beyond creating a finished piece. Through opportunities to experiment, think critically, and refine their techniques, students develop the skills and confidence to bring their own creative ideas to life.
At Lake Oconee Academy, visual arts education encourages students to think independently, explore new possibilities, and develop the discipline needed to transform an idea into a finished work of art.
LOA congratulates each of its award-winning artists and celebrates the educators who nurture their talents. Their achievements reflect the creativity, dedication, and artistic growth of the Titan community.
2026 Georgia National Fair Student Art Awards
First-Place Awards
Taylor Head — Grade [9]; Color Photography (Competition Grades 9–10); Best in Category
Caroline Hodges — Grade [12]; Altered Photography (Competition Grades 11–12)
Leighann Padgett — Grade [12]; Sculpture/Wood (Competition Grades 11–12)
Ava Todd — Grade [12]; Sculpture/Wire (Competition Grades 11–12)
Lola Latrielle — Grade [9]; Printmaking (Competition Grades 9–10)
Second-Place Awards
Naomi Stone — Grade [9]; Pen and Ink (Competition Grades 11–12)
Ayesha Sultan — Grade [12]; Printmaking (Competition Grades 11–12)
Chloe VanNote — Grade [12]; Sculpture/Wood (Competition Grades 11–12)
Emmy Finch — Grade [9]; Printmaking (Competition Grades 9–10)
Ava Todd — Grade [12]; Monochrome Photography (Competition Grades 11–12)
Jane Perez — Grade [9]; Color Photography (Competition Grades 9–10)
Third-Place Awards
Marley Kerschner — Grade [10]; Sculpture/Wire (Competition Grades 9–10)
Graham Heberling — Grade [9]; Printmaking (Competition Grades 9–10)
Emmy Finch — Grade [9]; Sculpture/Floral Foam (Competition Grades 9–10)
Emma Knight — Grade [10]; Color Photography (Competition Grades 9–10)