MAHOPAC, NY — For Maya Rejman, a senior at Mahopac High School, creativity is more than a skill—it’s a deeply personal form of expression. Her dedication to art has now earned her national recognition and a distinction that few students across the country achieve. Rejman received a perfect score on the 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Art and Design portfolio exam, placing her among an elite group of young artists nationwide.
Her accomplishment goes beyond technical mastery; it reflects a thoughtful exploration of culture, identity, and personal growth. In addition to her perfect AP score, Maya also received a Silver Key award in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards’ portfolio category, one of the most respected honors for high school artists in the United States.
A Rare Achievement
Mahopac High School art teacher Kaitlin O’Brien couldn’t be more proud of Maya’s success, calling it “extraordinarily rare.” According to O’Brien, Maya’s work was exceptional not just for its composition and technique, but also for the emotional depth and storytelling woven into each piece.
“Maya’s work stood out not only for its technical skill but for the depth of emotion and meaning behind it,” O’Brien said. “Her talent, dedication, and unique perspective truly set her apart.”
The Advanced Placement Art and Design exam evaluates student portfolios submitted over the academic year. It requires a combination of technical proficiency, conceptual clarity, and personal vision. Scoring a perfect score means Maya’s portfolio met every standard of excellence outlined by the College Board, with no weaknesses detected in execution or concept.
Art Rooted in Identity and Experience
What makes Maya’s portfolio even more powerful is the subject matter she chose to explore. Drawing from her background as a first-generation Polish immigrant, Maya’s work tells stories rooted in family, culture, and the complexities of growing up with a hybrid identity.
“Last year, I explored ideas such as the importance of family, cultural foods, how my culture has grown with me, and the difficulties I’ve experienced due to growing up away from extended family,” Maya shared.
For her 2024 portfolio, she turned her attention to personal identity, focusing specifically on the concept of compulsive heterosexuality and its impact on her experience as a queer individual.
“This year’s portfolio focuses mostly on the effect of compulsive heterosexuality on my identity as a queer person,” Maya said. “It’s been both empowering and emotionally challenging to bring these stories to life through my art.”
The Challenges Behind the Canvas
While Maya’s work appears seamless and polished, the process of creating it was anything but effortless. Each painting required significant time, planning, and emotional labor. She describes the process of setting up a painting session as both a refuge and a challenge.
“While I consider art to be an escape, a painting session can sometimes be daunting to set up. Building my palette and priming my canvas takes a lot of time,” she said. “The most challenging part was definitely finding the time and energy to keep creating.”
Balancing her creative pursuits with the demands of school and everyday life, Maya exhibited the kind of discipline and resilience that characterizes truly exceptional artists.
School Community Beams with Pride
Maya’s achievements have been recognized not just by national organizations but also by her school community. MHS Principal Patrick Keevins praised both Maya’s hard work and the support she’s received from Mahopac High School’s visual arts program.
“Maya’s achievements are a remarkable reflection of both her talent and the exceptional quality of our visual arts program,” Keevins said. “We’re proud to offer students the resources and guidance they need to reach this level of excellence.”
The success of Maya’s portfolio shines a spotlight on the importance of arts education in public schools. Her story serves as a powerful example of what students can accomplish when they are supported by knowledgeable educators and given the tools to develop their voice through art.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in the Arts
With graduation just weeks away, Maya is already preparing for the next chapter in her artistic journey. She will attend Boston University this fall, where she’s enrolled in the College of Fine Arts.
Her time at Mahopac High School may be coming to an end, but the foundation she has built—through perseverance, personal expression, and academic achievement—has positioned her for continued success in the world of fine arts.
Maya’s story is not only about talent but about the power of self-expression and the courage to explore topics that matter deeply. From honoring her cultural heritage to advocating for LGBTQ+ identities through her art, she’s using her platform to inspire change, spark conversation, and encourage others to embrace their full selves.
Final Thoughts
In a time when creative expression is more important than ever, Maya Rejman stands as a shining example of what’s possible when talent meets purpose. Her perfect score on the AP Art and Design exam is more than a number—it’s a reflection of a young artist with a strong voice, a clear vision, and a passion for storytelling through art.
As she prepares for college and beyond, Maya carries with her not only accolades but a growing body of work that already speaks volumes. Mahopac High School, her family, and the wider community have every reason to be proud.
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