Bloomington, Indiana – The Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission (BMCHRC) has announced the twelve winners of the 2025 Human Rights Art and Essay Contest, showcasing the creative talents of local students in grades K-6. The contest, which invited young participants to respond to the thought-provoking prompt, “How does diversity make our community stronger?” drew nearly 100 submissions from seven schools in the area. Students were encouraged to explore themes of inclusion, empathy, and community through either art or written essays.
The contest’s goal was to provide students with a platform to express their understanding of diversity and its role in strengthening the local community. By responding to the prompt, these young voices engaged in a meaningful conversation about the values that form the foundation of the Bloomington and Monroe County communities.
The winners were selected in two categories: Grades K-2 and Grades 3-6. The panel of judges for the art contest consisted of BMCHRC Commissioners Amy Jackson and Stephen Coover, who worked diligently to review the submissions and choose the most impactful pieces. “It was inspiring to see the creativity and depth of understanding expressed by these young students,” said Jackson. “Their work beautifully reflects the diverse perspectives that make our community stronger.”
The contest provided students with the opportunity to not only learn about human rights but to also actively contribute to the conversation on how diversity plays a crucial role in building more inclusive environments. “Empathy, inclusion, and understanding are fundamental to the work we do at the Human Rights Commission,” noted Coover. “These students have captured those values in ways that we can all learn from and appreciate.”
In total, twelve winners were selected for their exceptional submissions, with awards given for both artistic and written entries. The recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing young minds in understanding the significance of human rights and fostering a sense of community that celebrates diversity.
The Human Rights Commission will be hosting an exhibition showcasing the winning artwork and essays in the coming weeks, providing an opportunity for the public to appreciate the heartfelt messages and reflections of these talented students. This contest, a yearly highlight, continues to inspire the younger generation to engage in conversations about inclusivity, respect, and equality.
