PASADENA, Texas — Pasadena ISD is proud to celebrate an extraordinary achievement by Joshua Washington, a senior at Pasadena Memorial High School, who has been awarded a National Gold Medal from the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions for creative teens in the nation. Joshua’s award-winning drawing earned him a place among a talented group of young artists who were honored last week at a special ceremony held at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards received over 300,000 submissions from students across the United States. Of those, about 2,500 were selected as National Medalists, representing the top tier of student creativity in visual art and writing.
Joshua’s Gold Medal award-winning piece, a powerful drawing of his former art teacher, titled “Age in Bloom,” places him in the top 1% of participants nationwide. His work stood out for its emotional depth, technical skill, and originality.
“This is actually my second gold medal. My first was as an eighth grader, and I’m excited to finally go to New York City to be a part of the ceremony,” Joshua said.
“I couldn’t be prouder to see Joshua receive such well-deserved recognition,” said Ms. Nguyen, Joshua’s art teacher. “His passion and creativity truly set him apart and watching him grow and succeed in many art contests has been inspiring to us at Pasadena Memorial.” In addition to the prestigious medal and the Carnegie Hall recognition ceremony, Joshua’s work is featured in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Exhibition in New York City, where it will be displayed alongside pieces from other national winners.
“I first met Joshua as a 6th grader at Marshall Kendrick Middle School and have witnessed his growth over the years,” said Gabriel Flores, Assistant Director of Fine Arts. ” From the moment he submitted his first entry in an art contest, it was obvious he was destined for greatness. This is his second national gold medal, and I am thrilled that he had the opportunity to travel to New York to be recognized at such a prestigious ceremony, accompanied by his dedicated art teacher and supportive mother.” 
Joshua’s artistic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of his high school career, he has participated in more than a dozen major art competitions across Texas and beyond, earning widespread recognition for his talent and dedication.
The Pasadena ISD family congratulates Joshua Washington on this incredible accomplishment and looks forward to seeing where his artistic journey leads next.
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