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The Wellness Council of Greater Colorado Valley held an awards ceremony and reception on Oct. 10 for their “Stop Bullying” art contest.
Over 350 entries were submitted by students from all over Colorado County, from elementary schools to high schools, showcasing three themes “what a bully looks like,” “how bullying makes you feel,” and “stand up, speak out.” 40 awards were given out by age group and theme, with the “Best of Show,” award being given to Columbus High School student Lydia Benjamin.
“I was not expecting to win,” said Benjamin. “But a lot of people came up to me and said that it was good. I feel proud that it is representing a good cause, because I know the Wellness Council works super hard to help people with mental health.”
Shirley Isbell, co-chairman of the Stop Bullying art contest alongside Nancy Williams, says her biggest takeaway from the contest is the student’s openness to express their feelings, expressing her happiness over their comfortability in doing so.
“I want the students to know that we hear them, we see them, and we appreciate the trust that they gave us in expressing themselves in the way they did,” said Isbell. We see you; we hear you and we are working to try and help everyone. We could not have done it if the students did not trust us enough to put their feelings on paper, and that resonates with this community. Everybody knows someone with some kind of mental issue and there needs to be more compassion. By exposing these children’s feelings, this is the first step we can take in fixing what is going on in these kids’ lives. It is overwhelmingly emotional.”
The exhibits will be on display at the Live Oak Art center up until Oct. 31. Donations can be made to the Wellness Council at 212 Oak Cluster.
