Editorial Cartoon: A Brief, Yet Impactful, Middle School Art Unit

An editorial cartoon, as defined by Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the non-profit organization that annually presents the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, is “an illustration, or a series of artworks that offer commentary or criticism on current events, social events, or political topics.” Love’s Editorial Cartoon unit encourages the expression of opinions or viewpoints on current events–beyond politics. It also helps students recognize that their identity and experiences influence their viewpoint and how proximity to an issue can shape perspective. 

 

Typically introduced before formal drawing instruction in class, students primarily use the most proficient means available to them–typically digital art applications such as Procreate, allowing them to focus on the concepts they aim to tackle without any technical constraints. In terms of the topics of the work created, it’s up to the students–they explore environmental and systemic issues affecting local communities and beyond. While some topics are more personal, some systemic issues, such as climate change and gentrification, are recurring themes.

 

Beyond artistic technique and creativity, students are empowered to realize the impact of their voice and their artwork. Last year, Paula Schechter '28 was one of three national winners of the prestigious Herblock Award for Editorial Cartoon for 2024. As part of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the Herblock Award, underwritten by The Herb Block Foundation, celebrates the legacy of four-time Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Herb Block. The award provides three students who exhibit excellence in editorial cartoons with $2,000 scholarships. Schechter’s piece, entitled What America’s Addicted To, was displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City through February, and there will be a ceremony for this impressive honor at Carnegie Hall in June.

 

Love’s current eighth-grade class was successful at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, with eight submitted editorial cartoons receiving honors and recognition, further underscoring the significance of the editorial cartoon unit in Love’s class and the importance of students recognizing the power of their voice through artistic expression. 

 

The editorial cartoon unit is a valuable experience for the students, expanding beyond the traditional classroom setting. Love, a proponent of a growth mindset for middle schoolers as they head toward high school, emphasized the lasting impression of the unit and the importance of encouraging critical thinking and self-expression. “It is a useful lesson worth revisiting,” he said. “Not only in their eighth-grade year but in the years to come.”