By The Oakland Press
Four Oakland County high school students earned $1,000 each for their winning artwork depicting financial decision-making and literacy in Oakland County’s annual art contest.
In it’s 15th year, the 2026 contest attracted 153 original drawings, paintings, photos, mixed media pieces, videos and illustrations from students in 18 schools on the theme of financial empowerment and literacy. It was the second highest number of submissions for the contest, sponsored this year by county treasurer’s office, Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency.
Winning entry, titled “Level Up Financial Freedom,” by Avery Feldman, 11th grader at Rochester High School. (Oakland County Treasurer’s office)
“Congratulations to this year’s winners and to every student who submitted their work for the 15th annual contest. Each entry reflects a unique perspective on financial decision-making and the importance of financial empowerment,” said Oakland Treasurer Robert Wittenberg.
Winners were selected based upon how key financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing and planning were communicated.
Winning entry, titled “On One Hand,” by Ava Wagner, 10th grader at Waterford Mott High School. (Oakland County Treasurer’s office)
“The year’s contest submissions showcased the diversity of perspectives on budgeting, saving, investing, and planning for the future,” said Lisa Brownfield, a relationship manager at Flagstar Bank. “The students’ artwork is truly inspiring and we’re proud to celebrate the incredible creativity of Oakland County’s high school students.”
The winning students will receive cash prizes from a $10,000 contest fund provided by Flagstar Bank, and their artwork will be displayed for a year in the treasurer’s office and featured online with all student entries.
Winning entry, titled “The Money Plant Wealth Or Wither,” by Rishika Pradhap, 9th grader at the International Academy. (Oakland County Treasurer’s office)
“The artwork submitted this year reflects the talent, insight, and perspective of Oakland County students, while reinforcing the importance of financial decision-making, independence, and long-term planning. We congratulate all of the winners and thank Treasurer Wittenberg, Flagstar Bank, and OLHSA for investing in opportunities that help students build skills for their future,” said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman.
The cash prizes are $1,000 for first place, $750 for second, $500 for third and $100 for honorable mentions. The winners are:
12th Grade
First Place: Olivia Beltran, Rochester High School
Second Place: Tyler Toth, Lake Orion High School
Third Place: Annie Zhao, International Academy
Honorable Mentions: Gabriel Barkas, Novi High School; Amelia Meier, Rochester High School; Sayani Palomet, Rochester High School
11th Grade
First Place: Avery Feldman, Rochester High School
Second Place: Vivianne Muehlheim, Oakland Schools Technical Campus – NW
Third Place: Daphne Smid, Lake Orion High School
Honorable Mentions: Daniel Dimitry, Rochester High School; Avery Nieset, Oakland Schools Technical Campus – SW; Eunchae Shin, Rochester High School
10th Grade
First Place: Ava Wagner, Waterford Mott High School
Second Place: Ishan Irfan, Troy Athens High School
Third Place: Ellie Rupert, Rochester High School
Honorable Mentions: Reese Mowrey, Lake Orion High School; Isabella Sorenson, Lake Orion High School
9th Grade
First Place: Rishika Pradhap, International Academy
Second Place: Nina Howitt, Lake Orion High School
Third Place: Savannah Tedder, Troy Athens High School
Honorable Mentions: Evy Bednar, Rochester High School; Taein Kang, Rochester Adams High School
For more information about the 2026 contest and to view this year’s submissions, visit the Oakland County Treasurer’s website at oakgov.com/arts.