For Caitlin Smith, art started at a young age.The Maine-Endwell student has been creating since she can remember.

But it wouldn't take long for a hobby to become much more than paintbrushes and canvases.

"It was really a form of self-identification and really helped give me the sense of confidence that I needed and all the amazing art teachers I had in high school really helped me become a better version of myself," said Smith.

"She's always had a creative intellect that you could just spot. She's kind of quiet, introverted, but her work speaks for herself, and she has her own vision," said Maine-Endwell art teacher Jean Burlingame.

That vision is now landing her in the national spotlight.

Smith was named a Silver Key medalist in the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She becomes the first student in Maine-Endwell's history to receive the honor.

Out of 340,00 works submitted, just 1,700 are chosen.

"I was really astonished and I had no emotions, because obviously I had never experienced anything of this level, but for once, I was really proud of myself and all the hard work and all that I’ve sacrificed," said Smith.

Smith was set to be honored at Carnegie Hall alongside famous guests such as Jennifer Garner and Lena Dunham.

But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's ceremony will be done virtually.

Her teacher said while things have been ever-changing, art has been one of the only constants.

"Through this whole thing, art has been, Caitlin would agree, a comfort to be able to create," said Burlingame. "I've got some genius work coming through just the response to being isolated."

The award-winning artist is now encouraging younger students to get involved.

She said you never know where art might take you.

"Even if you don’t pursue art later in life as a career, it can still greatly help you, especially in expressing your emotions and having something that is relaxing and could be a good past time," said Smith.

The ceremony will take place this Thursday at 6 p.m. streaming live from Carnegie Hall.