Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Hailey Pham ’26 received great news in December, and then again in February.

Check that - Hailey earned great news.

Two months after being accepted into a prestigious art school, Hailey earned five awards at one of the most elite art contests in the state.

Hailey scored a gold, two silvers and two honorable mentions at this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in the Massachusetts Regional. The gold and silver pieces advanced to the national competition.

“I feel incredibly grateful and honestly a bit surprised to have five pieces recognized this year,” Hailey admitted. “It means a lot to see my work appreciated, not just the final work but it also about the efforts and time that I put in, especially knowing how much I’ve grown through taking risks and experimenting.”

Her “Primary Consumer,” a brilliant play on words, received gold, putting it in the top 10% in the Sculpture Category.

“‘Primary Consumer’ explores how overlooked organisms like krill quietly sustain entire ecosystems despite their small and almost invisible presence,” Hailey explained. “By using (parachute cord), my purpose of giving these overlooked creatures more attention grew stronger, as constructing them bound me closer to their silent importance. Twisted to form the body of something that gives, holds and ties the sea together, I used the techniques of finger knitting without any tools. Each strand took time and patience, mirroring the delicate balance of life in the ocean. To me, this work is a reminder that fragility and strength live side-by-side.  

“Winning a Gold Key is something I’m deeply honored by. It’s both exciting and humbling at the same time. Knowing that my piece was selected at that level makes me feel proud, but it also motivates me to continue growing and pushing my ideas further.”

Upon her graduation from WMA, Hailey will attend the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the most selective art colleges in the nation, located in Providence.

“What drew me to RISD is its strong emphasis on both conceptual thinking and material exploration, which really aligns with how I approach my work,” she said. “I admire how the school encourages students to question, experiment and develop their own voice. It feels like a place where I can continue growing while being surrounded by a community that values creativity and thoughtful design.”