One PYLUSD student identified as finalist in annual Chapman Holocaust Art and Writing Contest

Each year, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) middle and high school students have the opportunity to participate in the Chapman University Holocaust Remembrance Art and Writing Contest. The theme of this year’s contest was “Turning Memory to Strength: Living with Courage, Resilience and Hope.” Students participate in this contest from across the world.

To participate in the contest, PYLUSD students conducted research on the Holocaust and World War II. Each student was instructed to listen to the testimony of a Holocaust survivor or rescuer while thinking about that individual’s motivation in telling their story. Then, they were tasked with creating a piece of art or writing that retold and reflected upon the individual’s experience.

For many years, PYLUSD has been distinguished as a part of the competition as students from all middle and high school sites participate. This year was no exception as 8th grader Abbey Lucas from Tuffree Middle School was identified as a competition finalist for her poetry submission. Chapman received over 80 poetry entries, and Abbey’s distinguished entry was one of six chosen as a finalist. Abbey was recognized along with her language arts teacher, Kim Schultz.

Award winners and finalists were announced during a virtual ceremony held by Chapman University on Friday, March 11. Congratulations to all of our PYLUSD students and teachers who played a part in this year’s competition!