It only took Jenna Krueger a couple seconds to realize that she was named Artist of the Year on Wednesday afternoon.

The 18-year-old Austin High School senior was among four candidates—which included seniors Olivia Bernard, Madison Sauke, Krueger and Belle Reuter—who were candidates for the honor and was named during the Art Assembly held in Knowlton Auditorium.

“It’s so amazing,” Krueger said after the assembly. “This is literally something that I have wanted since freshman year.”

The high school’s art department had six applications submitted this year; the highest number of applications that the high school has previously seen was about 12. Selecting the candidates requires a bit of work from students, according to Jake Levisen, an Austin High School art teacher. Each candidate was required to display their artwork, create an artist’s statement, rally sponsors, do a self-portrait, create a video about themselves and showcase their work.

“Jenna has been very committed for the last few years and she wanted to strive for this (award),” Levisen said. “She stood out because of her work, and she went above and beyond by doing work outside of the classroom.”

Krueger was awarded a $1,000 scholarship which is strictly meant for art. Prior students who had won Artist of the Year used the money to purchase camera equipment, and even professional-grade oil paints.

Once the candidates all submit their work, then advisors in the art department critique submissions and then determine the winner.

For each candidate, being nominated for the Artist of the Year category means an automatic $250 scholarship, which also must be used for art, Levisen added.

“It takes strong (artists) to stand out from the student body,” he said. “I’m thankful for all Artist of the Year candidates. They’re all deserving to have that title.”

As for Krueger, she plans to attend the University of Minnesota this fall. Although she doesn’t plan to make art her career, she does hope to continue creating new work for fun. Especially painting, which is her favorite mode of art.

Winning Artist of the Year was one way to end her senior year of high school on a high note, she said.

“It really makes it feel like it’s over,” Krueger added.