As a freshman, Croton-Harmon High School sophomore Madeline Kramer had an interest in photography, so she chose Digital Photography with Mr. Itter as her spring elective. Her proficiency, sparked by passion, accelerated quickly. And in a flash, Madeline found herself among the top one percent of student artists nationwide.

Madeline recently earned a National Gold Medal, two Gold Keys, and an Honorable Mention in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. She and her work will be recognized at the 2026 National Art & Writing Awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall this June. More than 110,000 students submitted over 335,000 works to the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Earning this level of recognition as a sophomore is a notable achievement, as many recipients are upperclassmen.

According to Madeline, everything clicked in Mr. Itter’s class. Students learned foundational skills such as shutter speed, ISO, lighting, and composition through exploration and experimentation, an approach Madeline credits with helping her quickly build confidence behind the camera.

“It was a lot of practice,” she said. “You’d look at your picture afterward and think, ‘I wish my shutter speed was higher’ or ‘I needed more light.’ You start to learn by experimenting and adjusting.”

“Maddy came into my class with strong motivation and a natural sense for aesthetics,” said art teacher Mr. Itter. “I aim to give students the skills to create engaging images while building their confidence and critical eye, and Maddy picked up new concepts very quickly. What sets her apart is her drive and passion. She never asked, ‘Is this good enough?’ but instead, ‘Is this the best it can be?’”

That curiosity quickly grew into something more. During a family trip to Iceland last summer, Mr. Itter lent Madeline a camera. From the window of a moving car, she captured her Gold Medal-winning photograph, “A Scene from Another Planet,” using a fast shutter speed to create a crisp image of a geothermal energy plant outside Reykjavik.

The experience deepened her interest in photography, both technically and creatively. As her skills developed, Madeline began thinking more intentionally about photography as a form of expression and a way to create work that is emotionally resonant.

“You can have a really sharp, clean image, but does it say anything? Does it make the viewer feel something?” Madeline said. “I can take a nice-looking picture, but I want to make the viewer feel something.”

That goal led Madeline to apply for a mentorship program through the Garrison Art Center, where she was paired with a photography professor from Westchester Community College. Together, they developed a project focused on creating images that evoke emotion and meaning.

Madeline also participates in the teen program at Dia Beacon, an opportunity she pursued after being encouraged to apply by Croton-Harmon High School Assistant Principal Erica Fiorini. The program brings together students who share a passion for art, offering mentorship, gallery visits, and collaborative learning experiences.

“I think being with a group of kids who also really love art made a big difference,” she said. “It felt like I found my people.”

Upon discovering Madeline’s growing passion, her grandfather shared his collection of film cameras along with a digital camera that still held a memory card filled with photos from past family trips. It marked a full-circle moment, blending her past and present.

Looking ahead, Madeline plans to continue exploring photography, including experimenting with her grandfather’s film cameras. This summer, she plans to bring them on a family trip to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons, using the opportunity to explore film photography and capture new landscapes.

“Photography is something I think will always be part of my life,” she said. “I really like capturing a moment in a very large space of time. I think that’s one of the best keepsakes you can have.”

With national recognition already in hand and new creative opportunities ahead, Madeline continues to develop her artistic eye, one image at a time.