Mahopac High School senior Maya Rejman has achieved a distinction that few students across the nation can claim: a perfect score on the 2024 Advanced Placement Art and Design portfolio exam. In addition to this rare accomplishment, Rejman was also honored with a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards’ portfolio category, one of the most prestigious recognitions for high school artists.
“A perfect score on the AP Art and Design exam is extraordinarily rare,” Mahopac High School’s AP Studio Art teacher Kaitlin O’Brien said. “Maya’s work stood out not only for its technical skill but for the depth of emotion and meaning behind it. Her talent, dedication and unique perspective set her apart.”
Rejman’s award-winning portfolio reflected on her experiences growing up as a first-generation Polish immigrant.
“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,” Rejman said. “In this year's portfolio, I am focusing mostly on the effect of compulsive heterosexuality on my identity as a queer person.”
Her work blends technical skill with deeply personal themes, often drawing on identity and memory as sources of creative inspiration. One of her most challenging and formative pieces was a 2x3 foot oil painting titled “Projector,” a large-scale portrait that tested both her skill and perseverance. Rejman faced challenges with getting the proportions on her side profile correct, but she stayed motivated to push through the piece. Despite the joy she finds in artmaking, creating her portfolio was no easy task.
“While I consider art to be an escape, a painting session can sometimes be daunting to set up as building my palette and priming my canvas takes a lot of time,” Rejman said. “The most challenging part was definitely finding the time and energy to keep creating.”
Mahopac High School’s robust visual arts department plays an important role in nurturing student talent. The program features a studio drawing and painting room equipped with professional-grade drafting tables, easels, and drawing horses. For those exploring three-dimensional work, the school offers a full ceramics studio with four throwing wheels, and photography students can work in a traditional darkroom with 12 enlargers. Digital artists also benefit from a fully equipped computer lab supporting design, illustration and multimedia work.
“Maya's achievements are a remarkable reflection of both her talent and the exceptional quality of our robust visual arts program,” Principal Patrick Keevins said. “We’re proud to offer students the resources and guidance they need to reach this level of excellence.”
After graduation, Rejman plans to attend Boston University, where she is enrolled in the College of Fine Arts and considering majoring in business and minoring in art.
