NCASA Outstanding Alumni
As a valued part of NCASA’s history, teachers, coaches, scholastic directors, and administrators have helped shape the experiences of thousands of students who discovered their talents and passions through our programs. We are deeply grateful for the time, creativity, and energy you’ve given to make NCASA what it is today.
This school year marks NCASA’s 16th year, and we’re excited to introduce our new NCASA Outstanding Alumni program! We would love to spotlight former NCASA participants who have gone on to do great things in their field or community. All nominees will also be considered for induction into the NCASA Hall of Fame, now entering its second year. By "alumni" we primarily mean student competitors, but we also welcome past coaches, scholastic directors, and principals who were involved with NCASA member schools.
Please nominate someone below, or share an NCASA memory! As you consider these former NCASA experiences, also please consider supporting NCASA with our 2026 Support Drive. We really appreciate it.
Jennifer Via
J. Sam Gentry Middle School
Surry County Schools
Congratulations to Jennifer Via, art teacher and Art Showcase coach from Sam Gentry Middle School in Mt. Airy. "She motivates, inspires, and continues to seek out students to share their strengths and abilities," according to her nominator, who pointed out her dedication and devotion to her students.
One of NCASA's longest-running coaches, Jennifer competed in Art Showcase for the past 13 years and it was the 2025 Art Showcase competition that she and her students emerged as the NCASA Middle School state champion team.
Competing in this competition for more than decade, Jennifer has become a familiar face, bringing her students' work on the day of the contest. The real work begins months before, however, with the release of the prompt. Countless hours are put into this competition in getting students engaged with the prompt and coaching them along the way.
It is easy to see how Jennifer's positive attitude and support motivate her students to do their best each year.
Congratulations to Jennifer, NCASA's first Outstanding Alumni recipient. Please share this feature with anyone who might enjoy seeing it.