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Five Clifton High School Students Selected as Finalists for State Teen Arts Festival
The Clifton Public School District is proud to announce that five high school students were selected as finalists for the State Teen Arts Festival. Their artwork was chosen from submissions across Passaic County, representing a significant artistic achievement for the students.
The following student finalists and their artwork are as follows:
Jadrian Castro, a senior, was selected for his piece "Caged Beasts." Castro will continue his artistic journey studying graphic design at Passaic County Community College.
Gabriella Fonseca, a junior, impressed adjudicators with her work "Strawberry Shortcake." Currently enrolled in AP Studio Art and Ceramics 2 for the 2025-26 school year, Fonseca is considering pursuing visual arts after graduation.
Allison Rijo, a senior, was recognized for her piece "Jellyfish." She plans to study illustration at Montclair State University.
Francesca Schiavone, a senior, earned finalist status with her work "Flowers." Schiavone will pursue fashion design and merchandising at Montclair State University.
Karen Medrano, a senior, was selected for her "Madame Morrible Costume Design." She will study architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
"We are incredibly proud of these five students who have demonstrated exceptional artistic talent and creativity," said Jason Leshowitz, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts. "Their selection as State Teen Arts Festival Finalists reflects not only their individual dedication but also the strength of our visual and performing arts program in Clifton."
Congratulations to these outstanding students. Clifton Public Schools wishes them continued success in their artistic endeavors.
The following student finalists and their artwork are as follows:
Jadrian Castro, a senior, was selected for his piece "Caged Beasts." Castro will continue his artistic journey studying graphic design at Passaic County Community College.
Gabriella Fonseca, a junior, impressed adjudicators with her work "Strawberry Shortcake." Currently enrolled in AP Studio Art and Ceramics 2 for the 2025-26 school year, Fonseca is considering pursuing visual arts after graduation.
Allison Rijo, a senior, was recognized for her piece "Jellyfish." She plans to study illustration at Montclair State University.
Francesca Schiavone, a senior, earned finalist status with her work "Flowers." Schiavone will pursue fashion design and merchandising at Montclair State University.
Karen Medrano, a senior, was selected for her "Madame Morrible Costume Design." She will study architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
"We are incredibly proud of these five students who have demonstrated exceptional artistic talent and creativity," said Jason Leshowitz, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts. "Their selection as State Teen Arts Festival Finalists reflects not only their individual dedication but also the strength of our visual and performing arts program in Clifton."
Congratulations to these outstanding students. Clifton Public Schools wishes them continued success in their artistic endeavors.
