Students and staff across Kent School District showcased their creativity and vision of equity in this year’s 2025-2026 OneKSD Art Contest, an annual celebration of art, belonging, and community.
The contest invited participants to explore what equity in OneKSD means to them. Through painting, drawing, photography, digital design, and other mediums, artists expressed powerful ideas about opportunity, inclusion, and collective success in Kent schools.
More than 200 entries were submitted this year, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the Kent School District community.
Meet the 2025-2026 OneKSD Art Contest Winners
After careful review by a panel of volunteer judges made up of parents and staff members, five artists were selected as this year’s category winners:
Elementary School Winner: Andy Lee, Millennium Elementary
Middle School Winner: Sophia Tuong, Canyon Ridge Middle School
High School Winner: Derek Nakagawa, Kentridge High School
The Outreach Program Winner: Anders Townsend
Staff Winner: Sohony Harshda, Northwood Middle School
Visit the OneKSD Art Contest webpage to see the winners’ artwork, photos, and artist statements.
Surprise Celebrations for the Winners
District leaders surprised each winner at their school to share the exciting news in person. Family members, principals, teachers, staff, and peers gathered to celebrate the artists and their accomplishments.
The surprise announcements created memorable moments as the winners learned their artwork had been selected to represent the district’s vision of equity through creativity.
Photos from the surprise visits can be found on Kent School District’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
A Community Celebration of Creativity
While five artists earned the top honors, many others were recognized for their outstanding work. The contest highlights the creativity and perspectives of students and staff across the district.
Community members are encouraged to explore the artwork by viewing:
The Top 10 submissions in each category on the OneKSD Art Contest webpage
All eligible entries on the Kent School District Facebook page
From colorful illustrations to thoughtful symbolic designs, the submissions reflect the many voices and perspectives that make Kent School District a place where everyone belongs.