Since 1989, New World School of the Arts has produced 22 Presidential Scholars in the Arts and over 435 YoungArts winners, showcasing the significant impact of its students on the local artistic community. This year, among the 171 YoungArts Winners with Distinction, two are from New World School of the Arts, contributing to a total of seven winners selected from a competitive pool of 734 talented young artists across 39 states and the District of Columbia. These students excel in various artistic disciplines, including classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing, with winners chosen from a record 13,000 applications nationwide.
New World School of the Arts’ 2026 YoungArts Winners with Distinction are Danielle Angrand (alum), voice/jazz and Sofia Longa, Jazz/Bass, while the Winners include Ryu Chan Jazz/Guitar; Lincoln Gonzalez Jazz/Piano; Alexandra Larios Voice/Classical; Kayla Leech Theater/Spoken Word; Colton Mopsick Writing/Play or Script.
“I am so proud of our seven YoungArts winners whose talent and hard work demonstrate the essence of New World School of the Arts. While we honor the winners, we also note this achievement as a testament to our incredible teachers who are devoted to our students’ academic and artistic development and the families who provide constant support. It is a joy to see our students recognized on this national stage as they continue to cement NWSA’s strong legacy and move toward becoming the next generation of leaders in the arts,” said Dr. Contessa S. Bryant, NWSA high school Principal.
According to the National YoungArts Foundation, YoungArts Winners with Distinction are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week in Miami. During this week, participants showcase their work, engage in workshops and interdisciplinary classes, and receive mentorship from prominent artists. They are also considered for additional awards of up to $10,000 and may be nominated for the White House-appointed Commission on Presidential Scholars. As the exclusive nominating agency, YoungArts selects 60 finalists annually, with 20 chosen to become U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, a prestigious honor for graduating high school seniors. Each award winner is recognized with a monetary prize of $250 for their accomplishments.
About New World School of the Arts: Founded in 1987, New World School of the Arts (NWSA) is a center of artistic and academic excellence in the visual and performing arts, dedicated to training High School and College students interested in careers in dance, music, theater and visual arts. Through its educational partnerships with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College and University of Florida, NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design.
New World School of the Arts prioritizes artistic talent over academic performance in its acceptance policy, enabling students from diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, and socioeconomic statuses to vie for admission into its prestigious arts programs based solely on their individual artistic abilities. Over the years, NWSA students have earned esteemed national merit and leadership scholarships, including the Gates Scholarship, Posse Foundation, and Presidential Scholar in the Arts. This demonstrates that a rigorous arts curriculum not only nurtures their passion and cultivates the next generation of artists but also enhances their engagement and success across all academic disciplines.
A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades. Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.
Seven Accomplished NWSA Students Are Recognized By YoungArts
