Contest - The 1939 SocietyThe 1939 Society

Testimonials

Just like Sophie’s identity was shaped by the unspeakable acts of the Holocaust, my identity has been changed by listening by hearing her story. Now I understand the danger of misguided beliefs and recognize how quickly life can change when we cannot tolerate the different identities in the world. I am aware of how intolerance jeopardizes the safety to form one’s identity. Awareness. Tolerance. Safety. We all expect these in our lives, but how can they` exist until we truly value each and every identity?
Annie Pankowski
8th Grade, St. Anne School

At the beginning of this assignment, I wanted to win in order to meet my survivor. But hearing Mila’s voice transformed an assignment into a journey no words could describe. Elated and excited lost their meanings—what I felt was stronger. I have won. This experience is the prize I will carry the rest of my life. A prize that will be a constant reminder of what Mila’s late husband Leopold said…”It is so much easier to love than to hate.”
Shelli Bautista
12th Grade, Downey High School

Before studying my survivor, I was scared to learn about the Holocaust and the humiliation and torment that so many people experienced. Now I know that our generation needs to be educated about it because we are the ones who have the power to prevent genocide from ever happening again Why should someone be discriminated against because of their skin color, race, religion or appearance? If I see someone being picked on, I should intervene and not keep walking like I didn’t see it.
Danielle Spriggs
8th Grade, St. Anne School

From Selene Bruk I learned that when you have lost everything that there is to lose, you must always remember that your faith can be all that you have left to live for. Her hope and determination inspires me to believe that your identity can never be shattered when you know who you are.
Gloria Galardo
9th Grade, Orange High School

Past Winners

We’re always amazed by the outstanding projects of local students, and we’re proud to showcase their work. Here’s a look through the winning entries of The Holocaust Art & Writing Contest from the last 3 years:

Testimonials

Past Winners

The Fourteenth Annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest, 2013

ELIZABETH ELDER

"SURVIVOR’S SYMPHONY"

First Place, High School Art

PALAK GOEL

"Who Am I"

First Place, High School Poetry

HOYEON LEE

"HORSE MEAT"

First Place, High School PROSE

KELLY ZHOU

"BREAD OF CREATION"

First Place, MIDDLE School Art

ELIZABETH MARKUS

"AND THE SNOW STILL FALLS"

First Place, MIDDLE School Poetry

KAITLYN PHAM

"SING A SONG, A SONG OF LIFE"

First Place, MIDDLE School PROSE

The Thirteenth Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest, 2012

ELIZABETH MARLOWE

"BROKEN"

First Place, High School Art

ANTHONY MADRIGAL

"I REMEMBER YOU, ZELDA"

First Place, High School Poetry

HYUNGKYUNG CHUN

"VOICE THAT TRANSCENDS TIME"

First Place, High School PROSE

RAEANNE GUIDRY-SMITH

"IN DISGUISE"

First Place, MIDDLE School Art

GABBI HECKLER

"STONES"

First Place, MIDDLE School Poetry

BRANAN LANDAU

"BLIND TRUST"

First Place, MIDDLE School PROSE

The Twelfth Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest, 2011

KATY BRANNIGAN

"NO COMPARISON"

First Place, High School Art

SONALI TOPPUR

"PROTECTION"

First Place, High School Poetry

VICTORIA MOYZIS

"SHARED SPACES"

First Place, High School PROSE

LISA CHO

"CONNECTING THE PIECES -PAST AND PRESENT"

First Place, MIDDLE School Art

NATALIE LARSON

"WOULD I HAVE DONE WHAT YOU DID?"

First Place, MIDDLE School Poetry

JENNIFER PARRA

"TARGETED"

First Place, MIDDLE School PROSE

Overview