OneKSD Art Contest

Celebrating the Unique Perspectives of Students & Staff

In Spring 2025, the OneKSD Art Contest invited students from all grade levels and staff across the Kent School District (KSD) to visually express the meaning of unity, collaboration, and shared identity within our diverse community. Through original artwork, participants showcased how different schools, cultures, and experiences come together to form a strong and connected district.

We were proud to receive more than 400 entries from 40 schools, representing every middle and high school in the district. Visit Kent School District on Facebook to view all the submitted artwork!

Judging for the contest took place with the generous support of 24 dedicated parent, staff, and community partner volunteers. Entries were evaluated based on originality, relevance to the theme, artistic quality, and emotional impact.

Inspiring Art, Lasting Impact

One winner from each category was surprised at their school and awarded a plaque and a small prize, thanks to the generous support of the City of Kent, Dave & Buster’s, and the Kent Schools Foundation.

Their artwork will be framed and proudly displayed at the Kent School District Administration Center throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

Elementary Winner

Emiko Valdez

Emiko Valdez

"Flag Friends"

Cedar Valley Elementary School

"The art I created represents my friends and I, we are from different places, have different skin tones, and for some, disabilities. I have ADHD and dyslexia and so do some of my friends. I'm Asian, Japanese & Filipino. My friends are from Nepal, Mexico, Cuba, Germany, and America. Our friendship shows it really doesn't matter where you come from, and that everyone can be friends with anyone!"

"Flag Friends" by Emiko Valdez

Elementary Honorable Mentions

"Dawn of Hope" by Luna

"Untitled" by Joackim

"OneKSD: Diversity Unites Us" by Mia

"KSD Attributes" by Olivia

"We Are All One" by Nala

"Cat Puzzle Collaboration" by Sophie

"My World" by Jeevat

"OneKSD: Where Everyone Belongs and Thrives" by Ananya

"You are Perfect no Matter What" by Lucia

Middle School Winner

Hayden Park

Hayden Park

"Community"

Northwood Middle School

"It shows community and teamwork. It shows how we can help each other and work together to keep the environment clean and safe. This drawing also shows diversity in our neighborhoods and district. One KSD means: keeping our environment clean helping the elderly and people in need, creating cool-new ideas, teaching and learning from each other, embracing other cultures. It means growing together."

"Community" by Hayden Park

Middle School Honorable Mentions

"All Hands In" by  Maylee

"Many Faces" by Amani

"Better Together" by Ravneet

"Knowledge is Power" by Sahkirat

"Art of a Cultural Museum" by Fuzia

"Unity"

"Happy MultiCultural Day!!!" by Sarai

"Be Loving" by Taylor

"KSD is for Everyone!" by Sophia

High School Winner

Genesis Navarro Meza

Genesis Navarro Meza

"Unity and Dreams"

Kent-Meridian High School

"KSD has showed me the amount of diversity that came from one district and no matter who we identify as, our personal beliefs and values, how we dress, or how we look like there will always be a group just right for you. The amount of community and diversity I've felt in Kent-Meridian was definitely one of the best highlights in my school life, being surrounded by people who looked like me and people who looked the opposite made me feel comfortable with branching out to people I've never thought I could even meet eyes with. In my art I show how different we are, but we all have one thing that unified us all and that is, a dream and money."

"Community and Dreams" by Genesis Navarro Meza

High School Honorable Mentions

"Intersectionality of Street Knight" by Jaideep

"A New Day" by Hattie

"Reaching Out" by Albrea

"When We're Together" by Evangeline

"My Mascots" by Mika

"Leaders Need Help Too" by Shriya

"Roots of Unity" by Yin Qi

"Every Other Thing" by Derek

"My KSD Community" by Conner

Academy/Program Winner

Paris Basi

Paris Basi

Kent Laboratory Academy

"My art shows that OneKSD means unity and equality. No matter our differences we are all one and deserve respect."

"Untitled" by Paris Basi

Academy/Program Honorable Mentions

"Untitled" by Aarav

"Work Together to Be Strong" by Noel

"Work Together" by Whitney

Staff Winner

Ricardo Stark

Ricardo Stark

"Strong Together"

Covington Elementary School

"This artwork showcases individuals of different cultures, and ages standing proudly in front of a school, each symbolizing their heritage with pride and individuality. The school backdrop represents a shared space for learning and growth. The figures standing together evoke strength in diversity, reminding us that every culture contributes to a collective whole. It inspires a deep sense of belonging, reinforcing the power of unity and mutual respect, and empowering you to feel part of a larger, vibrant team working toward a common goal."

"Strong Together" by Ricardo

Staff Honorable Mentions

"Near and Far" by Brett Scribner

"Common Ground" by Claudia Proa Cuevas

"Creating Together" by Raedeana Edgar

"IP Classroom Neighborhood" by Fiona Fualaau

"Together We Can" by Kirsten Mattes

"Languages that Bloom" by Ammi Hernandez Curiales

"Rainbow of Diversity" by Cheryl Foos

"We Shine When Our Cultures Combine" by Karen Natividad

"Unity is Being Together" by Nikki Williams

Contest Terms & Conditions

  • By entering, contestants grant KSD permission to use and display their artwork. Their name, grade, school, artwork title, and artist statement may be shared on platforms such as the KSD website, social media, email newsletters, and publications.

  • Artwork with inappropriate or offensive content, or that doesn’t follow the submission guidelines, will be disqualified.

  • Artwork copied from another artist or created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools will be disqualified.

  • Entries missing a completed form or attached artwork will be disqualified.

  • All judging decisions are final.