Lords Valley teen wins YoungArts award with distinction

Samantha Isabela Antonetti, 17, of Lords Valley has been named a 2025 YoungArts award winner with distinction in the Voice: Singer/Songwriter category. Winner with distinction is the highest honor awarded by the organization.

According to the organization, YoungArts award winners are selected through “a highly competitive application reviewed by panels of esteemed, discipline-specific artists in a rigorous adjudication process.” YoungArts said the winners “demonstrated exceptional technique, a strong sense of artistry, and an extraordinary commitment to developing their craft.” This year, 800 winners were selected from nearly 11,000 applications across 10 artistic disciplines – classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing.

Among the winners, panelists also designated 169 YoungArts award winners with distinction. Winners with distinction are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week, held January 5 to 12, 2025, in Miami, Fl. During the week, participants have opportunities to share their work; experience interdisciplinary classes and workshops; and receive mentorship from leading artists in their fields.

YoungArts was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison to identify exceptional young artists, amplify their potential, and invest in their lifelong creative freedom. For more information, visit youngarts.org.