Award-Winning Year for FWCD Photographers

Ashton Theesfeld ’26 earned national recognition as a 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Winner. Awarded a Silver Medal for outstanding work in photography, Theesfeld’s image was featured in the Scholastic online gallery and her name listed in the Yearbook 2025. The Scholastic Awards, America’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for teens, have honored the likes of Sylvia Plath, Andy Warhol, Stephen King, and Amanda Gorman.

“I cannot speak highly enough about Ashton’s work ethic and artistry,” said Upper School Photography Teacher Emily Arnold. “She is completely deserving of this prestigious award and national recognition.”

In her first year at FWCD, Arnold has made a powerful impression, helping students earn top honors at regional, state and national levels and, just as importantly, giving them a platform to be seen and celebrated.

Theesfeld’s success is just one example of the thriving artistry at FWCD. She also earned Honorable Mention in the 37th Black & White Images Competition, an event sponsored by FWCD’s Visual Arts Department. The show featured 94 photos selected from 463 entries across 13 DFW-area schools, with 12 FWCD students earning recognition. For the first time, winning photographs were published in a keepsake exhibit portfolio.

William Runyon ’26 took first place in the Nature + Animals category with Silent Owl, and Max Kaufmann ’25 earned first for Hunting in the Photo Essay category. Other standouts were Avery Williams ’28 (second in the Architecture category for Spain) and Anna Chung ’28 (third in the Architecture category for Town Houses). Bella Castillo-Lerma ’28, Callie Chu ’27, Leo Hatem ’28, Jordan Jones ’25, William Marlow ’26, Genevieve Rudner ’27, Theesefield, and Mason Tuomey ’26 received Honorable Mentions across multiple categories. “It is an honor to continue this tradition to celebrate our talented student photographers,” Arnold said. “I loved seeing our art students recognized alongside some of the best photography programs in the DFW area.”

Arnold’s students also continue to distinguish themselves in statewide and international competitions. Charlie Anderson ’28 received a Superior rating, the top honor, in the Association of Texas Photography Instructors’ Environmental SelfPortrait Contest. In addition, Hudson Hatfield ’25 and Williams earned Honorable Mentions in the Texas Photographic Society’s International Student Competition.

The consistent recognition of FWCD student photographers is a testament to the growing strength of the School’s visual arts program. With opportunities to compete, exhibit, and learn from experienced adjudicators, students are developing technical skills and artistic voices, positioning FWCD as a leader in student photography.