Nineteen students were inducted into the Giotto di Bondone Chapter of the National Art Honor Society at Padua Franciscan High School on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
With current members of the chapter, families and friends in attendance, the Padua Franciscan High School Fine Arts community celebrated these talented artists who were acclaimed for their work across multiple mediums.
“This program aims to inspire and recognize students who have shown outstanding ability and interests in the arts,” said Ms. Stefanie Cook, Padua’s MyTrack® Studio Art Moderator. “The NAHS strives to aid members in attaining the highest standards in arts scholarship, character and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community.”
In addition to creating work for and showcasing it in the Padua Franciscan High School Art Show, current and new members of the Giotto di Bondone Chapter of the NAHS use their skills in service to those in the community.
During Padua’s annual student-run fundraiser, Christmas For Others, the art students were commissioned by faculty and staff members to create pet portraits to raise funds for All Faiths Pantry and the Parma Animal Shelter.
Before welcoming the new members, Padua’s NAHS Chapter recognized several graduating seniors with special awards and cords to wear during the annual Senior Awards Assembly and Graduation ceremony.
“I was amazed by all of the beautiful works created by these outstanding artists,” said Chapter Vice President Hayden Baker ’25. “Being able to partake in that project with such a welcoming community of artists absolutely made my year.
“It’s sad for me to say that I am graduating this year, and that I will no longer be able to participate in this wonderful program, but I am confident that by this time next year, the National Art Honor Society at Padua Franciscan will be even more amazing.”
This year’s inductees included freshmen Isabella Boncek, Wen Li Hild, Isabella Rodriguez, Lucas Blau-Fuldauer and Nicholas Venere, sophomores Devyn Osso, Maria Rodriguez, Artem Fedoriouk and Sloane Hare, and juniors Maya Le, Ava Heinz, Alivia Olman, Christopher Orzan, Lily Sainato and Paige Muhvic.
The class was introduced by incoming Chapter President/current Treasurer Natasha Rehlender ’26 and Baker, who was filling in for Chapter President Jenna Manson who was competing at a District Track Meet.
“I want to start off by saying how truly honored I am to be appointed the President of NAHS for the 2025-2026 school year,” Rehlender said. “There have been so many amazing things that have happened this past year in NAHS, and my fellow officers and I are excited to bring even more opportunities in the year ahead.”
“I would like to thank Ms. Cook and Ms. Dabramo for their devotion to the Padua Studio Arts Program, along with their ongoing support and encouragement that they have given, and continue to give, all of their students. I would also like to thank Jenna and Hayden for everything they have done this year. I have learned so much, and they will be missed.”
“Vincent van Gogh once said, ‘Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter’s soul,’ and in every artwork you see today, this statement rings true. I can’t wait to see the individual passion and dedication that each artist pours into their art as we grow together in this chapter.”
