COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Human Rights Commission announced Wednesday the student winners of the 2024 J. Irwin Miller Art and Benjamin M. King Essay Contests. They will be honored at the annual dinner meeting on June 27, at 6:30 p.m., at The Commons.
This year’s art and essay contest theme was “Living Your Authentic Life.” Twenty-six (26) community volunteers voted on the 140 entries. The volunteers included Mayor Mary Ferdon, Councilmember Grace Kestler, and Commissioners Champlin, Roggow, and Souza.
Aida Ramírez, Columbus Human Rights Commission director Aida Ramirez said, “Supportive community volunteers and educators play an active role in our mission to educate. They help us advance inclusion through “lived” experiences, listening to understand, practicing empathy, and creating safe spaces rooted in the shared belief of belonging.”
The students who will be recognized at the June 27 annual dinner are listed below
Irwin Miller Art Contest:
- Middle School Division -Macey Rees, Northside Middle School
- High School Division – Madyson Hall, East High School
Benjamin M. King Essay Contest:
- Elementary School Division – BriAnna LaRance, Mt. Healthy Elementary
- Middle School Division – Trinity Wills, Central Middle School
- High School Division – Maricela Stinson, East High School
The meeting will feature keynote speaker, Amy Nelson, Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana director. Special honors will be given to 2024 Laws Award winners Howard “Bud” Herron and Rev. Dr. Felipe Martínez.
Tickets are $30 per person and available online, by calling 812-376-2532, or at the Human Rights Commission office at Columbus City Hall.
