{"id":239750,"date":"2026-03-27T20:39:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T20:39:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/239750\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T20:39:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T20:39:09","slug":"annual-holocaust-art-and-writing-contest-highlights-orange-county-student-winners-and-more-ocde-newsroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/239750\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest highlights Orange County student winners, and more \u2013 OCDE Newsroom"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Students translated stories of survival into paintings, films and writing for Chapman University\u2019s Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art and Writing Contest<\/a>, where 12 Orange County students were recognized for responses to this year\u2019s theme, \u201cHolding on to Hope.\u201d <\/p>\n

Presented by Chapman University and The 1939 Society, the annual contest invites middle and high school students to engage with Holocaust survivor and rescuer testimonies and respond through art, film, poetry or prose. The Orange County Department of Education is among the program\u2019s partners.<\/p>\n

\"\u201cReaching\u201cReaching for Love,\u201d a first-place artwork by Brea Junior High School student Audrey Ho, was created for Chapman University\u2019s Holocaust Art and Writing Contest. (Courtesy of Chapman University)<\/p>\n

This year, the competition drew entries from more than 200 schools across 32 states and six countries, engaging thousands of students. <\/p>\n

The theme explored how hope sustained individuals during the Holocaust through memory, resistance and acts of courage, asking students to reflect on how those stories shape their own perspectives.<\/p>\n

Among the middle school honorees, Brea Junior High School eighth-grader Audrey Ho earned first place in art for \u201cReaching for Love<\/a>,\u201d inspired by the testimony of survivor Dina Wolfe. Her piece depicts a child reaching toward a parent\u2019s hand, symbolizing connection and enduring love. In her artist statement, Ho wrote that Wolfe\u2019s story \u201cis a testament to the importance of holding on to your parent\u2019s love, an ideal I can relate to deeply.\u201d <\/p>\n

In the high school division, El Dorado High School sophomore Seylah Bae earned second place in art for \u201cStill, He Sang<\/a>,\u201d inspired by the testimony of Holocaust survivor Robert Clary. Her piece reflects on the role of music and resilience during unimaginable hardship, illustrating how creative expression helped sustain hope even in the most difficult conditions. <\/p>\n

To view the entire list of winners, visit Chapman University\u2019s contest webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here are the other stories we\u2019ve been following this week:<\/p>\n

\"Flyer<\/p>\n

The Orange County Department of Education will host a free public forum on April 14 in Costa Mesa, where Seal Beach Police Capt. Nick Nicholas will present guidance on active shooter prevention<\/a>, situational awareness and response strategies for schools and communities.<\/p>\n

Orange County teams, including Woodbridge, University and Valencia high schools, placed among the top competitors<\/a> at the California Academic Decathlon, with University advancing to the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition.<\/p>\n

Troy High School\u2019s cybersecurity team earned second place overall<\/a> and first in the Cisco Networking Academy Challenge at the CyberPatriot 18 National Finals, competing against more than 1,300 teams nationwide.<\/p>\n

According to a CalMatters analysis, only about 54 percent of California high school students complete the A-G courses<\/a> required for admission to UC and Cal State campuses, limiting college access for many graduates.<\/p>\n

\"Venado<\/p>\n

The Santa Ana Unified School District board voted to begin renaming<\/a> Cesar Chavez High School, while, according to Voice of OC, schools, colleges and cities across Orange County are covering murals<\/a> and considering renaming landmarks honoring C\u00e9sar Ch\u00e1vez following recent sexual abuse allegations.<\/p>\n

According to a Los Angeles Times report, delaying kindergarten entry offers limited long-term academic benefits<\/a>, with early advantages typically leveling out by third grade, though some children may experience developmental gains depending on individual needs.<\/p>\n

This is the part where we encourage you to keep up with local education news stories by bookmarking\u00a0the OCDE Newsroom<\/a>,\u00a0subscribing for emailed updates<\/a>\u00a0and following us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0X (formerly Twitter)<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t