Local Students Win 2025 Human Rights Art & Essay Contest

The Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission (BMCHRC) has announced the twelve winners of the 2025 Human Rights Art/Essay Contest. Students in grades K-6 responded to the prompt “how does diversity make our community stronger?” through art or essays. Nearly 100 students from seven local schools participated by submitting original artwork and essays.

The contest encourages young voices to reflect on themes of inclusion, empathy, and community—values that are central to the mission of the Human Rights Commission.

The art contest was judged by BMCHRC Commissioners Amy Jackson and Stephen Coover, who selected winners in two categories: Grades K-2 and Grades 3-6.

Art, Grades K-2

First Place: Lena Gjerdingen, Grade 2, Templeton Elementary

Second Place: Ori Stonier-Tyksins, Kindergarten, Marlin Elementary

Third Place: Charlotte Sturgis, Grade 2, Unionville Elementary

Art, Grades 3-6

First Place: Rain Yi, Grade 5, Arlington Heights Elementary

Second Place: Henry Fehrman, Grade 3, Templeton Elementary

Third Place: Madison Horrocks, Grade 3, Fairview Elementary

The essay contest was judged by Commissioners Sharon Baker and Lilliana Young, who selected winners in two categories, Grades 2-3 and Grades 4-6. They made their decisions based on students’ writing skills, passion, and ability to reflect on diversity in meaningful ways.

Essays, Grades 2-3

First Place: William Alhosainat, Grade 2, Rogers Elementary

Second Place: Arden Yount, Grade 3, Unionville Elementary

Third Place: Dylan Roberts, Grade 3, The Project School

Essays, Grades 4-6

First Place: Imogen Hall, Grade 4, Unionville Elementary

Second Place: Leona Huber, Grade 6, Unionville Elementary

Third Place: Edric McCanse, Grade 4, The Project School

Winners will be recognized at a celebration ceremony on Thursday, April 24, from 5-6 p.m. at City Hall. Participants and the public are invited to view their work on display in the City Hall Atrium now through April 24.For more information, contact human.rights@bloomington.in.gov or call 812-349-3478.

The mission of the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission is to enforce the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Ordinance in a fair and timely manner, to educate community members about their rights and responsibilities under various civil rights laws, and to advocate for changes in policies and law.