Windward is proud to announce that Yaretzi Hernandez Matias ‘27 has earned a Gold Key from the 2025 National Scholastic Awards—a prestigious honor and a significant achievement for both Yaretzi and the Visual and Media Arts Department. Her winning work, a striking black-and-white analog portrait, was recognized on the national stage, marking the first National Award in photography from Windward since 2020.
While the department consistently earns numerous regional accolades each year, this national recognition is especially meaningful. Visual and Media Arts Teacher Hannah Northernor ‘99 reflected on the significance of the moment, sharing:
“In a time where I personally feel so overstimulated by technology and A.I. and media and newsfeeds and and and and... it truly gave me serenity and hope to see that the image chosen for national recognition this year was a soft, muted, analog black and white portrait. Quietly and earnestly printed in the darkroom space with great curiosity and love for the process.”
Yaretzi’s dedication to the craft and deep appreciation for traditional photography techniques shine through in her work, and we are thrilled to celebrate this extraordinary achievement.