BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Human Rights Commission (BHRC) announced the winners of its annual essay/art contest for area students in grades K-6 at its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 18, at City Hall. Mayor John Hamilton presented the awards to this year’s winners.
The theme for this year’s contest was “Are people in the U.S. getting more or less tolerant of others?” This year’s judges were Erin McAlister, Carolyn Calloway-Thomas, Valeri Haughton-Motley, and Tonda Radewan, all members of the BHRC.
2023 Essay Contest Winners
This year’s essay winners addressed the topics of Sexism, Tolerance, and Treatment of the Homeless Population, respectively.
•1st Place: Parker McGaha, 6th Grade from Templeton Elementary
•2nd Place: Shealah Campbell, 5th Grade from Templeton Elementary
•3rd Place: Lamelle Johnson, 4th Grade from Templeton Elementary
2023 Art Contest Winners
Kindergarten – 3rd Grade Division:
•1st Place: Jenny Lee
•2nd Place: Ada Pigg
4th and 5th Grade Division:
•1st Place: Lyra Dimmick
•2nd Place: Anette Gjerdingen
6th – 8th Grade Division:
•1st Place: Tesla Waters
•2nd Place: Parker McGaha
“As our country is becoming increasingly polarized, it is crucial to provide a safe space for our youth to gain the knowledge and skills to recognize bias and injustice and to support practices that encourage communication and tolerance,” said Bloomington Human Rights Commission member and contest judge Tonda Radewan.
The Bloomington Human Rights Commission congratulates all of this year’s winners and thanks all of the students who participated in the contest and the teachers who encouraged them.
“Human rights are inherent to the dignity of every person in our community and beyond,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “I am both proud of and awed by these young Bloomingtonions that have expressed so powerfully the importance of these fundamental rights.”
