Jada Walker graduates High Honors with Distinction from Interlochen Arts Academy today, receiving the prestigious Fine Arts Award in recognition of her exceptional artistic and academic achievements.

A nationally recognized creative talent, Jada is a 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Winner, selected from nearly 110,000 teenagers nationwide. Her originality places her among past winners such as Amanda Gorman, Stephen King, and Joyce Carol Oates.

At Interlochen, Jada pursued a rare double major in Creative Writing and Viola Performance, demonstrating her mastery of both literary and musical arts. Her writing has achieved international recognition, with several of her works published in respected journals, including Elan magazine, Highlights’ High Five Magazine, GSU’s Fledge, Interlochen Review, and DePaul’s Blue Book: Best American High School Writing.

Jada’s musical accomplishments are equally impressive. At age seven, she became the youngest violist admitted to the Orchestre de Jeunes Alfred Lowenguth (OJAL) in Paris, and since then has led prominent ensembles, including Florida Youth Orchestra and DC Youth Orchestra. She has also secured first place in several national viola competitions and earned multiple scholarships.

Looking ahead, Jada will begin her studies at Columbia University this fall with a full ride, pursuing Creative Writing and Viola Performance. Columbia, with its highly selective 3.7% acceptance rate, counts among its alumni some of the world’s most brilliant minds, including President Barack Obama and Warren Buffett.

Jada's creativity, perseverance, and brilliance make her a true role model. The world eagerly anticipates her future impact. Congratulations, Jada!