2025 Honorees
Student Expression Campaign
Student: Claire Aberle
KNEA Sponsor: Maureen Dismang
School: Olathe Northwest High School, USD 233
Grade: 12
Claire Aberle
While creating my project, I knew what I wanted to communicate through my art. I envisioned a society where people weren’t judged simply because of their culture, identity or where they came from.
People tend to get trapped in the box that society creates and labels for them. Once labeled, they are seen as their label, instead of who they truly are. I want people to go beyond the box and stop judging others simply because they are different.
For those who haven’t seen the Barbie movie, it is about a celebration of differences, and the impacts of stereotyping. In the movie, Barbie’s feet turn flat, and she starts to feel like she isn’t beautiful because she didn’t fit the mold society made for her. It wasn’t until Gloria sees her for more than just her appearance that Barbie learns that it isn’t stereotypes that define who someone is. Like Barbie and her flat feet, people too often look at themselves and others as what society defined for them. It is my wish that instead of looking at someone and seeing them as white, Hispanic or African American, that people see them as their authentic selves and the values they possess. To create a humanity full of love and support, we must look past each other’s differences and judgments to achieve a greater whole.
Since the creation of Barbies in 1959, they have served as symbols of unlimited possibilities for everyone, regardless of who they are. Everyone has the potential to not judge others and instead celebrate one another’s differences. Barbies believe in the potential of humanity.
This is why I chose to depict Barbies as a symbol in my artwork. The Barbies stand to resemble people of all different races, ethnicities, sexualities and more. Instead of being labeled as Asian, criminal, Indian, plus-size, or handicapped, these Barbies are labeled for what they truly are: human. The little girl holding the box is meant to represent the potential humanity holds. This little girl did not judge the Barbies because of how they looked, as every single Barbie is priceless. Every view, opinion and value different cultures and people bring to society are priceless. It is up to all of us to start appreciating the differences in each other and treat everyone with more love and respect. Everyone is human, and my goal is to embrace the true humanity in all of us through my art.
Student: De’Arica Fowler
KNEA Sponsor: Courtney Eterich
School: J.C. Harmon High School, USD 500
Grade: 11
De’Arica Fowler
My entry is a drawing of what justice looks like to me. At first glance, you can see every box fulfills a different character. Each individual in my drawing has a different color to represent their different paths and lifestyles. Though they each have their own color and path, they are together as one. Although they might not relate to each other, they blend and make every color brighter than it is standing alone. This is what justice looks like to me. It looks like not trying to become one another but accepting every individual is unique.
We are all of the same human race and share the same anatomy. It would sound like delicacy and feel like unity, and togetherness. No more feeling like your complexion is wearing you instead of the other way around. No more guessing if you’re subject to the word “aggressive.” No more letting microaggressions define who you are and who you are yet to become. Social justice means not allowing race and ethnicity to define your capabilities. It means to accept yourself and every stranger including a foreign accent, dark skin, and kinky coil-like hair. means to not ignore the color but enjoy and indulge in it.
Student: Eleazar Sanchez
KNEA Sponsor: Becca Burnfin
School: Garden City High School, USD 457
Grade: 11
Eleazar Sanchez
Different colors, same humanity. We all bleed the same.
Student: Rosalyn Sanchez
KNEA Sponsor: Courtney Eiterich
School: Garden City High School, USD 457
Grade: 10
Rosalyn Sanchez
This poem is about how it feels to be judged all the time whether it's the way we express our culture or even if we stand there with a different skin color than theirs. Even though they judge me it doesn’t change me or define me as a person as I will continue to show my pride and culture.
Student: Rubi Leyva
KNEA Sponsor: Alfredo Anaya
School: Garden City High School, USD 457
Grade: 10
Rubi Leyva
It means justice for women, many of whom cannot say no for fear of being abused, raped or even unjustly killed. We are victims of femicide. I speak for myself and for all the silent women who cannot speak. My painting reflects the injustice and abuse suffered by an innocent woman who is beaten and mistreated by a man who thinks that because he is a male he has more rights than women and that women do not have the right to speak and express themselves. I speak for equality for all, whether women or men.
Student: Natalie Brown
KNEA Sponsor: Becca Burnfin
School: Garden City High School, USD 457
Grade: 10
Natalie Brown
In "The Path We Walk," I explore the journey of God's grace in my life and the deep responsibility to live out justice through the lens of Christ’s love. While I recognize my own blessings and the comfort that comes with them, I can’t ignore the suffering and injustice around me. Christ’s example of unconditional love, grace and unity becomes the guiding force, showing me that true justice is not about being right, but about standing alongside those who are hurting. The poem reflects my desire to embody His love by listening, understanding and acting in ways that promote healing and restoration, even when I don’t always agree with others. Ultimately, it’s about helping others see the hope and transformation found in Christ, offering His love without judgment, and walking beside them on their own path to Him.
Student: Sophia Schipper
KNEA Sponsor: Brandon Schwarz
School: Olathe South High School, USD 233
Grade: 12
Sophia Schipper
Our entry was made to resemble a united community of people. A community full of people all so different from each other, yet still all wanting the best for themselves and everyone around them. We made it to make people understand and feel the beauty humanity has to offer. Justice looks like an equal humanity, united throughout all differences. Justice looks like coming together as people and treating everyone with respect. Justice feels empowering and happy. We made this video to symbolize this, and hope others can see that.