Pickerington High School Central’s Matt Young Named Ohio Art Educator of the Year by the Ohio Art Education Association
May 8, 2025
Jacqueline Bryant

Pickerington, OH – Pickerington Local Schools proudly announces that Pickerington High School Central’s Visual Art Education Teacher Matt Young has been named Ohio Art Educator of the Year by the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA). This lifetime achievement award honors exemplary educators who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and impact in arts education.

Young will receive the award this November at the OAEA Conference in Columbus, where educators and advocates from across the state will gather to celebrate the transformative power of the arts in schools.

With 30 years of experience, Young has shaped a classroom culture centered on inclusion, creativity, and critical thinking, ensuring students develop both artistic and personal confidence. He has also advocated for arts education at the state and national levels, serving as President of OAEA, working with the Ohio Department of Education, and being selected to join the National Art Education Association Board in 2026.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Ohio Art Education Association as their Art Educator of the Year,” said Pickerington High School Central Visual Art Education Teacher Matt Young. “At the heart of my philosophy is the belief that every student is an artist with their own story to tell. Art nurtures confidence, fosters empathy, and empowers students to become thoughtful, engaged citizens.”

Principal Tom Lanier, who has witnessed Young’s impact firsthand, shared:

“Matt’s commitment to art education extends far beyond technique—he empowers students to explore their creativity, develop confidence, and engage with the world through artistic expression,” said Pickerington High School Central Principal Tom Lanier. “His influence has shaped generations of learners, and this well-earned recognition is a testament to his dedication to teaching and the arts. We celebrate the ways his leadership continues to inspire not only his students but the entire educational community.”

About the Ohio Art Education Association Art Educator of the Year Award

This honor is the highest recognition given by the Ohio Art Education Association. Recipients must:

• Have served at least 10 years in art education
• Be an OAEA member in good standing for a minimum of seven years
• Show leadership at the state or national level
• Demonstrate commitment to students, research, and curriculum innovation
• Be professionally active in publishing, presenting, or exhibiting their own artwork

Young’s selection reflects his lifelong dedication to advancing arts education and his profound impact on students and fellow educators alike.

For more information, visit OAEA Website.