Launching legacies: take a closer look at the Art & Framing Council's new charity partner, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and its rich tradition of helping young artists succeed.(Brief Article)

Last June, approximately 350 of the nation's best young writers and artists descended on Washington, D.C.'s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to receive recognition for their efforts at the 79th Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

While the awards ceremony was meant to recognize the achievements of this year's winners, it also celebrated English and art teachers and served as a reminder to contestants' schools, families and communities that the arts remain a viable career choice.

Hosted by Rolling Stone Senior Editor and Film Critic Peter Travers, the event was attended by approximately 2,500 people and included an appearance by children's author and civil rights activist Ruby Bridges and Tony Award-nominated Broadway composer Elizabeth Swados. First Lady Laura Bush taped a special message to congratulate the award recipients.

As part of a low-key tribute to Sept. 11, the audience was shown a video titled "Art is Life," which focused on the importance of the creative spirit in recovering from tragic events.

"That was the sort of spirit with which we dedicated the ceremony this year," said BJ Adler, executive director of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, which administers the awards. "These guys were part of our recovery and part of our hope for the future."

Approximately 255 pieces of …