Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Request Info
Exceptional Programs, Small Classes, and Talented faculty
Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Learn More
Academy graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe. Astronauts, world-renowned doctors, fashion designers, chefs, filmmakers, zombie experts, world travelers – our alumni are proof that students become determined, courageous, and caring individuals ready to take on life's next challenges. Learn More
Founded in 1838, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburgh’s oldest independent coeducational school. Learn More
Senior Named Back-to-Back Winner of Slippery Rock University’s Instagram Drawing Contest
Senior Priya Melonio has been named a back-to-back winner in 2017 and 2018 of Slippery Rock University's (SRU) Instagram drawing contest for high school students.
The chairperson for SRU Department of Art and jurors voted and named Priya's entries as the winner out of 160+ drawings submitted by students from 19 different high schools. The pieces were selected for imagination, technique, and clear documentation. Priya was invited to enter the contest again by SRU through her private art teacher . She was notified of the win via a congratulatory letter along with an SRU sketchbook.
As a burgeoning artist, she didn’t have to start from scratch to enter this competition. Priya said, “I already had a couple pieces in mind for this contest. I particularity wanted to enter pieces that showed how I incorporate my passion for drawing portraits and still lifes. I chose to enter my already finished pieces, Toucan and Lady, from my portfolio that got me accepted into college. Both pieces took me around four to six hours to complete.” Priya, who wasn’t inspired by a particular person or thing, experimented with different mediums and techniques to broaden her knowledge and skills.
Priya was recognized at the SRU Juried Student Art Exhibition Awards Ceremony and reception at Slippery Rock University in the Martha Gualt Art Gallery in March. “I was very excited when I won again. I really enjoyed entering the contest and seeing everyone else's work on Instagram,” Priya shared. “The overall experience of competing and seeing the other competitors and winners really helped me understand the competition.”
Next year, Priya will continue her creative pursuits in college by majoring in studio art with a minor in business.