KIHS senior Rain Diederichs receives National Rising Star Award

STEVENSVILLE — Rain Diederichs, a senior at Kent Island High School, has been honored with the 2024 National Rising Star Award by the National Art Education Association. Presented at the NAEA 2024 National Convention in Minneapolis, this prestigious award recognizes outstanding student excellence and service within National Art Honor Society chapters nationwide.

NAEA President Wanda B. Knight states, “This award is given to recognize excellence in student accomplishment and service by a high school student in a National Art Honor Society chapter.”

While attending the convention, Rain had the opportunity to participate in national workshops with other NAHS students and renowned artists, including Lynda Barry from the University of Arkansas School of Art, who served as the convention’s opening keynote, and Alice Mizrachi, a New York-based interdisciplinary artist and educator known for her work in painting, murals, and installation art.

Additionally, Rain will receive a four-year complimentary NAEA student membership and a one-year professional membership upon entering the arts education field.

Fine Arts Supervisor Michael Bell emphasized the significance of Rain’s achievement, noting her hard work and dedication. He praised Rain and her art teacher, QACPS 2023 Teacher of the Year Andrea Schulte, for making history as the first student artist in QACPS to win this prestigious award.

Nominated by Schulte, Rain is under the mentorship of a seasoned advocate for success. Schulte joined Bell in Minneapolis to celebrate Rain’s achievement, highlighting Rain’s unwavering commitment to her craft and her constant pursuit of growth opportunities.

In a statement to the NAEA, Rain reflected on the profound impact of art in her life, expressing her passion for the arts and her aspirations to pursue art as a career. She credited her high school art teachers for inspiring and supporting her journey, and she expressed gratitude for the opportunities she’s had as President of the KIHS National Art Honor Society.

The Rising Star Award is the highest honor presented to a student artist by the NAEA nationally.