Mount Diablo Peace Center

Art & Writing Challenge—2007

First Prize
Jin Yu, Senior, Miramonte High School

The Peace Center held its Tenth Annual dinner for the winners in its “Peace through Art and Writing Challenge.” Fifteen of the twenty middle school and high school winners and their families were treated to dinner at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church on May 12. The area was transformed by beautiful flower baskets on the purple tablecloths and by the art work displayed all around the room. El Balazo Taqueria and Whole Foods Market-Walnut Creek provided excellent food, and Lunardi’s, Nob Hill Foods, Raley’s and Safeway also contributed to the dinner. The guests were treated to beautiful art work and readings of the essays and poems that won the contest. The challenge winners were awarded cash prizes contributed by the George Miller Youth Fund, Mountain Camp, Walnut Creek Police Officers Association and the Schmidt Family.

The contest topic was: “Describe two acts of kindness you have seen or heard about that touched you deeply and created a feeling of compassion. How has this experience affected you and how have you incorporated it into your life?”

Click here for the winning essay by Tenesa Ellis, a senior at California High School.

Click here for the winning creative writing by Megan Laffey, a senior at Liberty High School.

Click here for photos of the art entries for High School students.

Click here for photos of the art entries for Middle School students.

Click here for names of High School and Middle School winners in all categories.

Click here for names of High School and Middle School Honorable Mentions in all categories.

The Peace Center will be selling a Peace Calendar by early fall, featuring some of the art works contributed by these talented students.