Nine students were inducted into the Giotto di Bondone Chapter of the National Art Honor Society at Padua Franciscan High School on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
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 various art shows around and beyond Northeast Ohio, 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.
Also, this year, students created a recipe book, paintings for the fall theater production of Dracula, The Vampire Play, made banners for football games and created paintings for the faculty lunch room.
Additionally, the NAHS students partnered with Key Club, Women of Faith and National Honor Society to throw a Senior Prom for Seniors at Mount Alverna Village.
“This year has gone by very fast, to say the least,” said Chapter President Natasha Rehlender ’26. “This past year, we have added 13 members to our chapter who have done amazing work throughout the 2025-2026 school year. This was the second official year that our Giotto di Bondone Chapter has been in action, but it has been full of opportunity and community.”
Castro added, “Every project we’ve done this year has been an incredible success.”
This year’s inductees included:
- Anna Daniels ’29
- Caterina Fischer ’29
- Cora Zavoda ’29
- Ian Ketvertis ’29
- Izzy Tytko ’29
- Mia Samoly ’29
- Maeve Graziani ’29
- Sophia Nguyen ’29
- Logan Flowers ’27
The new members were introduced by Rehlender and Castro before incoming Chapter President Elizabeth Wirtz ’27, Vice President Winnie Zhang ’27, Secretary Maria Rodriguez ’27 and Maeve Graziani ’29 were announced.
“I am so excited to be President next year and continue the amazing program that both Natasha and Marisa have helped build,” Wirtz said. “They both inspire me so much, and I hope to be as great as them next year.
“This really is a dream come true for me since art truly has been such a big part of my life. Starting when my mom went back to school to study art, I was obsessed with recreating everything she did in class and learning as much as I could from her. Our art department has been such an amazing opportunity for me to continue art and expand my work. The NAHS has helped me use my abilities to help others in our community as well. Next year, I hope to help other members have the same amazing opportunities with our chapter and grow as artists.”
Rehlender and Castro reflected on their year as leaders of the Chapter and are confident it will continue to grow under the new leadership.
“It is very bittersweet to know that we will be graduating soon, but we know we are leaving this organization in very capable hands,” Rehlender said of Wirtz. “We are placing the presidential position in the hands of someone who always goes above and beyond in art and for others. She has an immense positive impact on everyone she comes into contact with and will do wonderful things for this organization next year.”
Castro added, “She constantly participates in the opportunities given, as well as being part of the process of making these opportunities for our members, not to mention the fact that she has won countless awards for her amazing artwork. We have no doubt that she will become a great leader.”
