PROJECT MANAGER AWARD: Kira M

The Project Manager Award was given to Kira M for demonstrating exceptional management of her project over the course of the year. Kira chose a challenging project that aligned with her career goals-- creating a multimedia art exhibition that raises awareness about coastal pollution. Kira managed her time impeccably, scheduling her trips to various areas to take photographs and finishing her art early enough to ensure she was prepared for her exhibit. She worked diligently with a mentor who she communicated with regularly and she addressed all challenges head on, adapting her project as necessary but ensuring she met her primary goals. For more information about Kira's project, click here.

BEST PRESENTATION: Lisbeth Z

The Best Presentation Award was given to Lisbeth Z. Lisbeth gave a compelling presentation about the challenges immigrants face in the US. She combined research about immigration with a personal reflection on her experience. Her presentation culminated with the first episode of a podcast she created where she interviewed her mom and shared her family's emotional journey. Her presentation was professional yet personal, serious yet comfortable. Lisbeth is a founding student at New Harmony and her presentation demonstrated such significant growth over the past four years. For more information on Lisbeth's project, click here.

BEST PROJECT: Annia S

The Best Project Award went to Annia S for creating a compelling poetry book titled "Preservation of White Lilacs." Annia's book is aimed at youth and tackles challenges of mental health from a child's perspective. Her book is separated into 5 chapters-- "Innocence," "Energy," "Friendship," "Sorrow," and "Resolve". Each section contains powerful poetic reflections on complex issues that children are usually shut out from, including the prison industrial complex, CSA, abandonment, setting healthy boundaries, and other abuse. For more information on Annia's project, click here.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD: Mervin S

The People's Choice Award was voted on by all staff and students who attended final capstone presentations, and Mervin won with a landslide victory! Mervin's project was a gap analysis on sustainability in New Harmony's education. Mervin explained the process he went through to collect information about how well New Harmony is incorporating its sustainable mission in its courses, including class visits, student interviews, staff surveys, and more. He ended his presentation with a compelling list of recommendations for New Harmony's leadership. For more information on Mervin's presentation, click here.