Essay & Art Contest
The Realizing the Dream Committee sponsors an annual essay and art contest for students in grades 6-12 around a theme that changes each year. The 2023 theme, Realizing the Dream Through Commitment and Sacrifice, is reflected in the selection of winners’ work below.
2025 Contest Details
The theme for 2025 is Realizing the Dream Through Struggle and Change. Submission requirements include composing a 500-word essay or creating a work of art, both of which should reflect on the 2025 theme. Students compete at either the middle or high school level. Please see the rubrics linked at left. The submission portal will open on this page on Monday, January 20, 2025, and will remain open through Friday, February 14, 2025.
Meet the judges for the Realizing the Dream Essay & Art Contest.
Pete Beatty
English, UA
Serena Blount
English, UA
Dr. Shompaballi Datta
English, Stillman College
Jamey Grimes
Sculpture, UA
Carson Grubaugh
Fine Arts, Shelton State
Matthew Kelley
Essay, Shelton State
Krislyn Koehn
Art, Shelton State
Sarah Marshall
Printmaking, UA
Cassandra Palmer
Art, UA
Wendy Rawlings
Creative Writing, UA
Kelly Shannon
Art & Art History, Stillman College
Dr. Craig Soaries
Director, Harte Honors College, Stillman College
Travis Turner
English, UA
Rebekah Womble
English, Shelton State
Charlotte Wegrzynowski
Art, UA