Sophmore Scarlett Pennington-Lindley and senior Grace Wilson won first place at the York Community Art Scholars Exhibition against local York schools on Feb. 6-7.

The YCASE art competition showcases high school students’ artwork and gives them a chance to showcase their talent, provides opportunities for advanced education and a chance to apply for the Delli Carpini Community Art Scholarship.

Susquehannock High School has been a part of the YCASE Art Show and Competition for about seven years. Electronic arts and photography teacher Wade Bowers is the local YCASE Art Show and Competition adviser, and has been for since Susquehannock took part in it, seven years ago. He selects Susquehannock student art to be submitted into the competition with pride.

“I think it’s awesome when we go to the finalist exhibition just to see the students show up with their families and their friends and they’re pointing out their artwork and they’re getting pictures,” Bowers said. “I think just taking that pride in some of the hard work that they’ve put into their pieces and then have the ability to showcase it. And then of course if they win, it’s just cool to see their excitement being called up front to receive their award.”

After making it to the finalist exhibition, professional jurors choose sophomore Scarlett Pennington-Lindley’s artwork, “Untitled 2401,” to win in the “digital and graphic design” category of the competition. She reflected on what she believes defines success as a young artist and what she plans to achieve in the future.

“ As an artist, I think success is really subjective, but I feel like success is when you’re happy with your own art,” Pennington-Lindley said. “I don’t know about milestones, but I’m hoping to enter the competition in the future, but for my general art journey, I’m just hoping to improve, that’s really why I do it.”

Senior Grace Wilson made it to the finalist exhibition and has been creating art since she was a little kid. She was chosen by the jurors to win first place in the photography category for her artwork, “Nature’s Muse.” Wilson is considering pursuing art and photography in the future.

“Photography is definitely something I would consider doing as a career.” Wilson said. “I am actually going to attend college for a B.F.A. in filmmaking with the end goal of becoming a director or a director of cinematography. Winning has influenced the way that I think about my photographs, making me more confident in them.”

Grace Wilson and Scarlett Pennington Lindley’s winning pieces, along with other pieces from the exhibition are hung at Marketview Arts 37 W Philadelphia St, York, PA 17401 until March 21.