At the Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ), we believe in the transformative power of creative expression. This year, we launched our inaugural Pencil & Palette Creative Contest, inviting young people to share their voices, tell their stories and express themselves. We were thrilled to receive an incredible 95 entries from young people across the country, spanning poetry, short stories and visual art. This enthusiastic participation is a testament to young people’s creativity and resilience—even in the most challenging circumstances.
Entries came from 21 facilities across 14 states, showcasing the contest’s broad reach and appeal. Among the 95 submissions, we received:
- 46 visual artwork entries in drawing and painting
- 37 poems capturing a range of emotions and experiences
- 12 short stories that transported us into the worlds these young people have experienced
The submissions were profound and moving. In each poem, story and work of art, young people opened a window into their lives and perspectives, often sharing raw emotions, hopes, dreams, struggles, failures and successes. Each entry reflected their unique experiences, showcasing strength and hope for brighter days.
We are excited to announce our 2024 winners:
- Drawing/Painting Category: Jacob from Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility
- Poetry Category: Raeliannah from Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility
- Short Story Category: Makenzie from Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center
We’ve attached a PDF featuring these winning pieces so you can experience their inspiring work firsthand.
A huge thank you to all the staff who supported these young creators, encouraging their participation, helping them upload their work, and supporting their creative goals. This contest was more than a talent showcase; it was a platform for young people to reclaim their voices, celebrate their individuality and find community through creativity. We’re immensely proud of every young person who participated in this journey and grateful for the staff who made it possible.
Thank you to each and every staff member who made our first Pencil & Palette Creative Contest such a success! Most especially, Rayshel Longley and Jennifer Harris – Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center, Aaron Gilbert and Denise Conrad – Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility (OH), T Sevilla – Connecticut Junior Republic – REGIONS Staff Secure Program, Tamika Colbert – Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility (OH), Kendall Lorge – Dakota County Juvenile Services Center (MN), David Brock – Donald R. Kuhn Juvenile Center (WV), Keith Vinson – Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility, Honey Herman – Echo Glen Children’s Center (WA), Candace Martin and Ashley Morse – Ferris School (DE), Katerina Moore – Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center (LA), Bobbi Leasure – Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility (OH), Daniel Juhl – Iowa State Training School, Candace Duchaineau – Journey House (CT), Susan Bergman, Amparo Vasquez and Dauna Herman – Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex, Elizabeth Washburn – Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (CA), Stephanie Jones – Kenneth “Honey” Rubenstein Juvenile Center (WV), Mark Eastin – Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center – Durango (AZ), Drew Reynolds – Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility (OR), Teza Holland, Robin Holthus and Heather Sheldon – Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility (MT), Alisha Gonzalez – Twin Rivers Community Facility (WA).