Updated April 15, 2026

A number of JSerra Catholic High School students have been recognized among Orange County’s most talented young artists as nominees in the 2026 Artist of the Year program, presented by the Orange County Register in partnership with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

The following students were selected as nominees by their teachers and instructors, placing them among a distinguished group of high school artists across Orange County:

Performing Arts:

Jack Zhang
Abby Bryan
Bethan Elliott
Abigail Hauke
Grady Jenkins
Gianna Carlile
Cassius Millett
William Oh

Visual Arts:

Audrey Abrahams
Bethan Elliott
Hance Huang
Giovanna Julian
Gianna Gancar
Francesca Goffman

The Artist of the Year program celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional promise in both the performing and visual arts. Nominees are recognized for their artistic achievement, dedication to their craft, and meaningful contributions to their school communities.

At JSerra, the arts programs are designed to cultivate both technical excellence and creative expression. Through performances, studio work, and collaborative projects, students are encouraged to explore their talents, refine their skills, and grow in confidence as artists and storytellers.

Being named a nominee is a significant honor and reflects the discipline, creativity, and passion these students bring to their work. It also highlights the strong culture of mentorship and artistic development fostered by JSerra’s faculty.

JSerra’s arts educators continue to guide students in discovering their unique voices and sharing their gifts with the broader community. Here are quotes about each of the visual arts nominees from Mr. Jorge Mascarenhas, AP Art Teacher and Yearbook Advisor:

Hance Huang: “Hance is an empathetic, observant, and socially aware photographer. He is deeply interested in documenting working professionals, especially those that often go unnoticed or undocumented. Rather than dramatizing or romanticizing his subjects, he approaches them with respect and quiet curiosity. His work suggests someone who values patience, listening, and presence; an artist who prefers to bear witness rather than impose a narrative, and who finds meaning in the dignity of everyday life.”

Bethan Elliott: “The kind of work Bethan does is not exploratory or accidental. She constantly demonstrates control over lighting, framing, symbolism, and tone. Her work is thoughtful, emotionally aware, and concept-driven, using photography as a means to explore memory, intimacy, and meaning rather than simply capturing appearances. Her visual voice is mature and well defined.”

Audrey Abrahams: “What truly stands out about Audrey is her entrepreneurial spirit. She is already a working photographer, approaching her practice with professionalism and initiative. Audrey has a sharp eye for capturing the quiet, wholesome moments of everyday life, transforming ordinary scenes into images that feel genuine, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant.”

Gianna Gancar: “Gianna has a special knack for producing beautiful work. She is humble, soft-spoken, and shy, yet beneath her quiet demeanor lies an artist with a mature visual voice. She is able to work confidently from both reference and imagination, a powerful combination that defines her creative expression.”

Frankie Goffman: “Frankie (Francesca) is curious, focused, and confident, with a strong interest in nature and observation. She is patient, dedicated, and has a desire to understand form and movement rather than rely on surface effects. Her works reflect the balance between control and looseness indicating her thoughtfulness yet experimental nature, grounded in craftsmanship but open to play. Frankie’s is a sincere and self-motivated student that values learning, consistency, and honest visual expression.”

Giovanna Julian: “Giovanna stands out among a very talented 2026 class. She possesses a disciplined hand and a cohesive aesthetic shaped by compassion, light, and memory. Her drawings speak softly yet carry emotional depth, revealing a quiet confidence that has become her signature. With a keen eye for detail and storytelling, Giovanna produced numerous standout pieces in her AP Art classes, including a remarkable portrait of the Holy Mother and Baby Jesus for the school’s Christmas card.”

Congratulations to all of our nominees on this outstanding recognition.