C.J. Hooker Middle School Students Win 14 Gold and 11 Silver Keys

C.J. Hooker Middle School reported a major showing at the Regional Scholastic Art Awards, with a district news release noting the students earned 14 Gold Keys and 11 Silver Keys in the regional competition. The district described the result as recognition for “several advanced-art students at C.J. Hooker Middle School” who earned “a combined total of multiple Gold Key and Silver Key awards.”

The Regional Scholastic Art Awards are run by the Hudson Valley Scholastic Regional Affiliate and draw middle-school entries from Sullivan, Dutchess, Ulster and Orange counties. A district-affiliated page further indicated, “This year, seven students will have their artwork compete at the National Level, with 14 total works advancing as Gold Key Winners,” signaling the potential for national exposure for Hooker students if those works advance.

The district release provides the headline counts for the 2026 competition but the full list of winners and teacher assignments was not included in the excerpt made available to this newsroom. Because the district is the official steward of student records and permissions, a complete roster of winners and confirmation of any national advancement will be important for public record, parental notification, and display logistics.

Local historical coverage shows C.J. Hooker students have performed well in past regional competitions. Earlier reporting listed five Gold Keys and 12 Silver Keys in one prior regional year and published names of student winners under teachers Melissa Ochs and Christina Pahucki. Named Gold Key winners from that earlier list include Melanie Vasquez, Skyler Stiskin, Christina Cabrera, Hannah Pena and Stephanie Svede, with multiple students receiving Silver Keys or honorable mentions. Past award-winning work was displayed at Orange-Ulster BOCES and honored at an awards ceremony at SUNY New Paltz, indicating established local pathways for exhibiting student work after regional recognition.

Beyond accolades, the results matter to Orange County residents because they reflect how public school programming, staffing and resource allocation produce measurable outcomes. Success at the regional and national levels can strengthen the case for continued or increased funding for arts teachers, materials and exhibition opportunities in Goshen. It also creates opportunities for civic engagement: parents, local arts organizations and school board members can use verified results to plan exhibits, sponsorships and community arts partnerships.

Next steps for the community include confirmation of the full winner roster and national-advancement details from the district, publication of exhibit dates and locations, and verification of permissions for publishing student work. Residents can expect the district to follow up with complete lists and display plans so families, taxpayers and local arts institutions can support the students whose work has earned regional distinction.