National award a 'nice surprise' for WBHS shutterbug

A West Bloomfield High School senior is receiving national honors for her photography.

Hailey Rozenberg was recently awarded a gold medal, the highest level of achievement, through the 2012 National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program for her photograph entitled “Alien Abduction.”

The awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, and Rozenberg will be honored for her work in New York City on June 1 at the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards 2012 National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall.

“It’s pretty exciting,” she said, adding that she’s looking forward to the New York trip. “I didn’t expect it. It’s a nice surprise.”

Rozenberg said that she has always taken photographs, but that she became serious about photography just over two years ago.

“I love candid moments, and I love portraits at the right moment and the right time,” Rozenberg said, adding that she has had “a lot of support from teachers and classmates.”

Rozenberg previously received a Gold Key, which is the highest achievement on the regional level, from the Southeastern Michigan Region of the Scholastic Art Awards.

Also previously receiving Gold Keys were West Bloomfield High School students Erica Noelle Bauer (photography), Krysten Caudie (painting), Shay Gabbara (painting), and Akbar Husain (photography).

The art teachers at West Bloomfield High School are Alison Davis, Molly Marshall, and Margaret Squires.

The National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program is organized by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, a non-profit organization that has 100 regional affiliates across the country and invites students in the seventh- through 12th-grade to submit their art in 28 categories for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works published or exhibited.

Rozenberg added that she isn’t sure where she’ll attend college, but that she plans on going into fashion merchandising. Her goal is to live in New York City and work in the fashion industry.