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✨ Celebrating Creativity & Connection ✨
On June 11, we proudly hosted the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest Award Ceremony at Montclair State University, honoring talented students from schools across New Jersey.
This year’s theme, “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection,” inspired young artists and writers to explore empathy, inclusion, and the impact of meaningful relationships in our communities.
We are proud to recognize the 32 winners selected from schools throughout New Jersey for their outstanding creativity, insight, and expression. Their artwork and essays beautifully reflected the spirit of building stronger, more connected communities.
Congratulations to all award recipients, honorable mention students, and participants who shared their creativity and vision. Thank you to the families, educators, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who helped make this event a memorable success.
Here are some highlights from the evening and a celebration of our talented winners. 📸🎨📝
Together, we continue building bridges through art, writing, and understanding. 💙
#PeaceIslands #ArtAndEssayContest #BuildingBridges
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Jun 2
🎉 You’re invited to the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest Awards Ceremony!
📢 Please note: The ceremony date has changed and will now take place on Thursday, June 11.
Join us for a special evening celebrating student creativity, achievement, and expression inspired by this year’s theme, “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection.”
We will recognize the outstanding middle school and high school winners in both Art and Essay categories and celebrate the meaningful messages they shared through their work.
📅 Date: Thursday, June 11
🕔 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Conference Center, Montclair State University
1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043
The evening will feature inspiring presentations, recognition of contest winners, and an exhibition of outstanding artwork and essays submitted by students.
Everyone is welcome to attend and support these talented young artists and writers!
RSVP here: forms.gle/uMpRVxeqkXPzecps9
#PeaceIslandsInstitute #ArtAndEssay #AwardsCeremony #BuildingBridges
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Jun 2
🎉 Join us at the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 11 at 5:30 PM at Montclair State University as we celebrate the achievements of the students recognized in this year’s contest!
We are excited to recognize our High School Essay Winners of the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest.
✍️ Congratulations to these talented students for their thoughtful writing, powerful ideas, and meaningful reflections inspired by this year’s theme, “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection.”
🏆 1st Place: Angie Yang
Bridgewater-Raritan High School – 10th Grade
🏆 2nd Place: Danielle Burgos
Newark School of Architecture & Interior Design – 9th Grade
🏆 3rd Place: Leyla Yildiz
Wayne Hills High School – 9th Grade
🌟 Honorable Mentions:
Riley Swift
Peyton Kruk
Katelyn Lara
Nihal Oztoprak
Yash Rajput
Thank you to all participants for using your voices to share messages of connection, understanding, and community. Your words remind us of the power of building bridges through empathy and expression.
#PeaceIslandsInstitute #ArtAndEssayContest #BuildingBridges
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Jun 2
🎉 Join us at the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 11 at 5:30 PM at Montclair State University as we celebrate the achievements of the students recognized in this year’s contest!
We are excited to recognize our Middle School Essay Winners of the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest.
✍️ Congratulations to these talented students for their thoughtful writing, powerful ideas, and meaningful reflections inspired by this year’s theme, “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection.”
🏆 1st Place: Segun Sashi
Jonathan Dayton Academy – 8th Grade
🏆 2nd Place: Emma Ortiz
Creativity CoLaboratory Charter School – 8th Grade
🏆 3rd Place: Maggie McGuire
Memorial Middle School – 8th Grade
🌟 Honorable Mentions:
Aahana Verma
Olivia Roessner
Isabelle Carlson
Emma Perrotto
Maddex Guerrero
Thank you to all participants for using your voices to share messages of connection, understanding, and community. Your words remind us of the power of building bridges through empathy and expression.
#PeaceIslandsInstitute #ArtAndEssayContest #BuildingBridges
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Jun 2
🎉 Join us at the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 11 at 5:30 PM at Montclair State University as we celebrate the achievements of the students recognized in this year’s contest!
We are excited to recognize our High School Art Winners of the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest.
🎨 Congratulations to these talented students for their creativity, vision, and artistic expression inspired by this year’s theme, “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection.”
🏆 1st Place: Eva Yoo
Northern Valley Regional High School – 10th Grade
🏆 2nd Place: Eunice Cho
Fort Lee High School – 11th Grade
🏆 3rd Place: Caitlyn Lee
Academy of Holy Angels – 9th Grade
🌟 Honorable Mentions:
Gamin Kim
Serine Kim
Adelina Muller
Gianna Park
Hye Lynn Lee
Thank you to all participants for sharing your creativity and meaningful artwork with us. Your work reminds us of the power of connection, understanding, and community.
#PeaceIslandsInstitute #ArtAndEssayContest #BuildingBridges
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Jun 2
🎉 Join us at the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 11 at 5:30 PM at Montclair State University as we celebrate the achievements of the students recognized in this year’s contest!
We are excited to recognize our Middle School Art Winners of the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest.
🎨 Congratulations to these talented students for their creativity, vision, and artistic expression inspired by this year’s theme, “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection.”
🏆 1st Place: Noah Ahn
Harrington Park School – 8th Grade
🏆 2nd Place: Maria Bazelak
Clearview Regional Middle School – 8th Grade
🏆 3rd Place: Hannah Cho
Demarest Middle School – 8th Grade
🌟 Honorable Mentions:
Ashley Gonzalez
Ashley S. Kim
Melaniya Ramsay
Carlenya Washington
Ye Jun Lee
Thank you to all participants for sharing your creativity and meaningful artwork with us. Your work reminds us of the power of connection, understanding, and community.
#PeaceIslandsInstitute #ArtAndEssayContest #BuildingBridges
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May 27
To our Muslim brothers and sisters, may this blessed Eid Al-Adha bring you peace, joy, and spiritual renewal. Peace Islands Institute extends warm wishes to all for a season filled with compassion, unity, and togetherness.
#EidMubarak #PeaceIslandsInstitute
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May 25
Peace Islands Institute remembers and honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. This Memorial Day, we reflect with gratitude on their sacrifice and the freedoms they helped protect.
#MemorialDay #PeaceIslandsInstitute
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May 20
The Peace Islands Institute (PII) is excited to announce that applications for our Summer Internship Program are now open!
This opportunity is for university students and high school 11th and 12th grade students who are interested in community engagement, interfaith dialogue, nonprofit work, digital media, IT, administration, and event coordination. Interns will gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects.
Application Deadline: June 5
Start Dates: College Students- June 10
High School Students (11th & 12th grade) - June 25
End Date: August 25
The internship will be available a mix of online and in person depending on the role. If you’re interested in learning, growing, and contributing to peacebuilding and community work, we encourage you to apply!
Apply at: peaceislands.org/__internshi…
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May 19
Peace Islands Institute mourns the tragic loss of three lives in the attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and stand in solidarity with the Muslim community during this heartbreaking time.
May we respond to hatred with compassion, unity, and peace.
#SanDiego #PeaceAndUnity #PeaceIslands
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May 17
⏰ Less than 24 hours left to submit!
The deadline for the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest is almost here. Don’t miss your chance to share your creativity and explore this year’s theme:
✨ “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection” ✨
🎨 Open to NJ students in grades 6–12
🏆 Cash prizes awarded in multiple categories
📅 Final Deadline: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Apply now: artandessay.org
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May 11
🎨✨ Extended Deadline Alert! ✨🎨
We know this time of year can be overwhelming with exams, final projects, and end-of-year responsibilities. Because of the heavy workload many students are experiencing, we’ve decided to extend the submission deadline for the 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest!
🗓️ New Extended Deadline:
Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
This year’s theme:
🌉 “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection”
If you’ve been meaning to apply but needed a little more time, this is your chance! We encourage all creative students across New Jersey in grades 6–12 to share their voice, talent, and perspective through art and writing.
🏆 Cash prizes awarded in multiple categories
🎨 One submission per category
📍 Open to students across New Jersey
Don’t miss the opportunity to have your work recognized and celebrated. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine!
🔗 Apply now: artandessay.org
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May 10
Today, we celebrate the compassion, strength, sacrifice, and love of mothers everywhere.
Peace Islands Institute wishes all mothers and mother figures a joyful and peaceful Mother’s Day. 💐
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May 7
⏳ Less than 5 days left to apply for the 2026 Art & Essay Contest! 🎨✍️
Applications are still open for Peace Islands Institute’s 16th Annual Art & Essay Contest. This year’s theme is:
✨ “Building Bridges: The Power of Connection” ✨
Open to New Jersey students in grades 6–12. Winners will receive awards and be recognized at our annual Award Ceremony.
➡️ Swipe to see some of last year’s winning art submissions!
📅 Deadline: May 11, 2026
🌐 For detailed information and to submit your application, visit: artandessay.org
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Apr 30
Youth Peace Network Training #3: Public Speaking, Debate & Showcase Prep was a meaningful evening of learning, dialogue, and growth.
Students explored the essentials of public speaking, what makes communication effective, and how to engage in respectful dialogue, discussions, and debates. They also had the opportunity to put these skills into practice through a respectful debate activity.
A heartfelt thank you to Esat Bayar for facilitating this engaging and valuable training, and to all the students who participated with openness, curiosity, and respect.
#YouthPeaceNetwork #PeaceIslandsInstitute
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