2025 ART, ESSAY & VERBAL EXPRESSION CONTEST
The 2025 Art, Essay, and Verbal Expression Contest has officially wrapped up, and we are incredibly proud to announce that we received over 412 powerful and creative entries from talented individuals across the region. From heartfelt essays to moving spoken word pieces and visually stunning artwork, the creativity and passion poured into each submission were truly inspiring. Narrowing the entries down to just 54 finalists was no easy task, as every submission showcased a unique voice and perspective that deserves to be celebrated.
We want to thank every participant for sharing their gifts with us. As a token of our appreciation, each entrant will receive a certificate honoring their contribution to this year’s contest. The winners, selected from among the finalists, are listed below. Congratulations to everyone who participated—you made this year’s contest one to remember!
CITY OF ATLANTA: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ART
1st place: Geneviere Aleshine, Parkside Elementary School
2nd place: Tahari Perry, Bolton Academy
3rd place: Ava Segall, Parkside Elementary School
Honorable Mention: Khole McMillian, Centennial Academy
CITY OF ATLANTA: MIDDLE SCHOOL ART
1st place: Mah Koyate, Ron Clark Academy
2nd place: Ndeye Fatou Gueye, Ron Clark Academy
3rd place: Morgan Rose Jordan
Honorable Mention: Valentina Lodin, Ron Clark Academy
CITY OF ATLANTA: MIDDLE SCHOOL ESSAY
1st place: Chrisian McCaahy, Centennial Charter Academy
2nd place: Alana Salaam, Luther Judson Price Middle School
3rd place: Zariah Salaam | Luther Judson Price Middle School
Honorable Mention: Kingston Carter | Wesley International Academy
CITY OF ATLANTA: HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY
1st place: Maryam Hashim | North Atlanta High School
2nd place: Malachi Rose-Pitts | South Atlanta High School
CITY OF ATLANTA: COLLEGE ESSAY
1st place: Ryan Mbouombouo | Morehouse College
2nd place: Alicia Edwards | Atlanta Technical College
3rd place: Sam Okwuoha | Georgia State University
CITY OF ATLANTA: COLLEGE VERBAL EXPRESSION
1st place: Majesti’ Kinnebrew | Atlanta Metropolitan College
SPECIAL OPEN ENTRY: ART
1st place: Naomi Thorne, E.C. West Elementary School
2nd place: Carmen Matthews, Oakley Elementary School
Honorable Mention: Makayla Marray | Oakley Elementary School
Honorable Mention: Shanna Hawkins
SPECIAL OPEN ENTRY: ESSAY
1st place: Trinity Watson
2nd place: Carmen Varnes | South Gwinnett High School
Honorable Mention: Alfreda L. Johnson
SPECIAL OPEN ENTRY: VERBAL EXPRESSION
1st place: Mario “RIO NKOSI” Howell
2nd place: Jamie Hall
Honorable Mention: Hadassa Felix