by Tessa Saunt, 8th grade

I matter because...I saved an animal from being killed. I wanted to help rescue dogs in danger of being killed at shelters. I reminded my mom every day to check online for rescue dogs needing a home. We found a great dog for us - a Shi Tzu puppy that looked like she would get along with our other dog. We applied to adopt, and soon enough we heard back that we got her! She is perfect for our family and we love her. Her name is Mochi and this is her portrait.

Award of Excellence

Award of Merit - Redondo Beach Council of PTAs

by Leah Gnadt, 8th grade

I matter because you matter. In this piece I drew a boy and a girl hugging. The puzzle pieces on the face of the boy represent people in his life who helped him fulfill his purpose. No matter what impact a person makes on you, whether positive or negative they still help you in some way. It is like they add one missing puzzle piece to you. The muted colors in the background represent the struggles and hardships that people go through while the vibrant colors on the people show the attributes that add to the boy's life.

Award of Merit

by Felicity Button, 7th grade

I matter because when you are overshadowed by darkness, I am the glistening light. I show others the light of the darkness, and spread happiness to them, so they can pass it on. I believe that leading by example and being there for people is what they sometimes need to banish the darkness, and giving hope. Sometimes a few kind words can help someone overcome the problems they are facing.

Honorable Mention

by Deeksha Prasad, 7th grade

Rainflower displays a brightly colored girl surrounded by black umbrellas and dark rain. It relates to theme because it approaches the topic, 'i matter because i am unique' as shown by the main point of the drawing being drastically different from everything else.

Honorable Mention

by Journey Cole, 8th grade

My piece is a painting of five strong beautiful BIPOC girls who are shouting their truth.

by Isabella Arzuaga, 6th grade

My art shows how we are destroying the earth and how the new generation can save us from global warming. For that to happen we all need to help, by making sure everyone is educated and thinking outside of the box to get new ideas. If we all have the same ideas nothing will ever get done.

by Marissa Mayeda, 8th grade

A bike ride is like life. Pedaling through life, I have discovered many roads that go off the main road. These roads lead to many different opportunities like a scholarship or a great friend. There are going to be bumpy roads filled with hardships. With hard work, I will accomplish amazing things. When those bumps slow me down, I can rest on a tree, someone that is sturdy and supportive. I may not know exactly why I matter now, but if I keep pedaling through life, someday, all of my experiences and values will align and show why I matter.

by Madeleine O'Neal, 7th grade

My art relates to the theme because i can make a difference in the world by picking up trash, volunteering and teaching people to help the environment by eating less meat. I think that if people put their minds to helping the world, then the world would be a better place.