Meet Katelynn: The OHVA Artist Behind a People’s Choice-Winning Entry in the K12 National Art Competition 

For Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) ninth grader Katelynn, art has been a part of her life since she was about 8 years old. What started as a hobby has grown into a creative outlet where she can bring her ideas and original characters to life. After entering the 2026 K12 National Art Competition, Katelynn took home the People’s Choice Award! 

Meet Nesa, the Character Behind the Winning Artwork 

Before entering the competition, Katelynn had already created Nesa, a character she wanted to share with others. Nesa is VERY vain, loves fashion, jewelry, and is photogenic! She also loves designing dresses and owns her own store where she sells fabric. 

Katelynn brought Nesa to life through digital art on her iPad using the app Ibis Paint. Over time, she has created around 100 pieces of art and watched her skills grow. 

When Katelynn entered Nesa in the 2026 K12 National Art Competition, she never expected to win the People’s Choice Award. She thought someone else would take home the recognition, making the win even more exciting. 

The award has also helped Katelynn feel more confident in her abilities and encouraged her to keep growing as an artist. 

Finding a Comfortable Fit at OHVA 

Katelynn has attended OHVA since kindergarten, and the online learning environment has helped her feel more comfortable in school. Because she experiences social anxiety, learning from home gives her a setting where she can focus on her education without some of the stress she associates with traditional school. 

She also appreciates the flexibility of online learning, including not having to wake up extra early to get ready and travel to school. 

Her mom, Ara, also saw virtual school as a good option for her daughters. While choosing a school that felt right for their family was important, Ara says the teachers have made a difference in their experience, with both daughters having some very positive connections with their OHVA educators. 

Turning Creative Interests Into Future Goals 

Art is just one of the ways Katelynn enjoys expressing her creativity. When asked about her future goals, she shared, “I want to be like an interior designer.” 

Her interest in interior design comes from her love of creating spaces. Katelynn enjoys playing games that let her design houses, both inside and out, and even draws her own floor plans. Her mom, Ara, has noticed her talent, too, sharing that Katelynn creates very nice houses. 

Whether she’s bringing a character like Nesa to life or imagining the details of a dream home, Katelynn is finding ways to explore her creativity and discover how she might turn her interests into a future career. 

A Little Encouragement Can Go a Long Way 

For other students who are exploring their own interests, Katelynn has some simple advice: “don’t give up on yourself and do what you think is best and follow your heart.” 

Katelynn’s experience is a reminder that creativity can grow when students have the space to explore what they love, build confidence in their abilities, and discover where their interests might take them next. 

Explore the other winning entries from this year’s K12 Art Competition here! 

Interested in exploring your own interests and talents? Learn more about the competitions and enrichment programs offered through K12 at enrichment.k12.com. 

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