Reflecting Through Art, Digital Media, Poetry and Essays
Using the testimonies of Holocaust survivors as inspiration, we can reflect on timeless lessons about perseverance, compassion, and the strength of the human spirit. The Holocaust Reflection Contest encourages students to consider how these lessons apply to their own lives and the future of our diverse society. Through art, poetry, essays, and digital media, students express their thoughts, feelings, and hopes in creative ways. The winning projects can help others explore these topics and the everlasting impact of the past.
Congratulations to all of our student winners.
While doing this project, I learned that you have to forgive people while not forgetting what happened to you in order to live in a peaceful world. It is important to think that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. By thinking like this, it can encourage a person to get through the difficult times in their life."
2019 winner | Pembroke Pines Charter West Middle School
2024 High School Winners
Art
1st Place | "but there must never be a time when we fail to protest"
Art
By Sarah Mira
Teacher: Anncy Pitelli
Florida Christian School, Miami-Dade County
2nd Place | "The Eternal Jew"
Art
By Lucas Izquierdo
Teacher: Brian Lynn
Charles W Flanagan High School, Broward County
Essays and Poems
1st Place | "Never Again"
Essay/Poem
By Camille Blaker
Teacher: Richard Ehrlich
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts , Palm Beach County
We often hear the phrase “never again” applied to the Holocaust. Those important words express the laudable goal that humanity...
2nd Place | "Echoes of Sorrow"
Essay/Poem
By Gianni Santa
Teacher: Suzanne A. Bates-Miranda
F.W. Springstead High School, Hernando County
In the heart of darkness, a history unfolds Where innocence withers, and a grim tale molds...
Digital Storytelling
1st Place | "Six Million and One"
Digital Storytelling
By Racheli Janowski
Teacher: Janet Conard
Rohr Bais Chaya Academy, Broward County
2nd Place | "Remembering Rosie"
Digital Storytelling
By Rylee Schwimmer
Teacher: Jack Rosenbaum
Spanish River Community High School, Palm Beach County
2024 Middle School Winners
Art
1st Place | "Echoes of Night"
Art
By Ariel Malachovsky
Teacher: Joshua Bender
Don Estridge High Tech Middle School, Palm Beach County
2nd Place | "Love of Humanity"
Art
By Isabella Cerase
Teacher: Jill Giancarlo
Pioneer, Broward County
Essays and Poems
1st Place | "Aftereffect"
Essay/Poem
By Serina Bligh
Teacher: Shelly Sweeney
Doral Academy Charter Middle School, Miami-Dade County
2nd Place | "Unforgotten"
Essay/Poem
By Milena Arthur Gnibus
Teacher: Marcia Zaldivar
Saint Thomas The Apostle, Miami-Dade County
Digital Storytelling
1st Place | "610"
Digital Storytelling
By Katherine Kolbar
Teacher: Shira Greenberg
David Posnack Jewish Day School, Broward County
2nd Place | "Solemnis"
Digital Storytelling
By Sebi Timbal
Teacher: Steven Hammerman
The Greene School, Palm Beach County
How Are Winning Projects Selected?
Each year, we receive approximately 2,000 entries from more than 100 middle and high schools across the state of Florida. All contest submissions are judged by a panel of volunteer educators and community members. Judges select the winners based on the thoughtfulness and uniqueness of the student’s reflection; the clarity of their message as expressed through their project; and the level of skill and creativity evoked through their writing, art, or video production.
Prizes for the winners have included up to $1000 per student plus additional monies awarded to their teachers and schools, all-expense paid chaperoned trips to Washington, D.C.'s historical sites including the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, private tours of the Craig and Barbra Weiner Holocaust Museum, meetings with Holocaust survivors, and an annual awards ceremony and reception on the NSU campus.