2018 Art & Creative Writing Contest

In recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, The Kim Foundation sponsored an Art & Creative Writing Contest for students in grades 6 – 12 around the Metro area.  We invited students to submit original works of art or creative writing that focused on the theme, “Hope and Healing through Creativity.”  We wish to thank all of the students who entered their talented work into this year’s contest.  We appreciate the support of the schools for the contest as well.  The winners in each category are listed below.  We congratulate all the students on the creative and powerful messages they portrayed through their art and writings.

Art Category

First Place                   Eliza S. from Papillion – La Vista High School       

Second Place             Esther S. from Omaha Public Schools

Third Place                 Michaela L. from Norris Middle School

Creative Writing Category

First Place                   Kathryn K. from Morton Magnet Middle School

Second Place             Myrka P. from Morton Magnet Middle School

Third Place                 Tie between Caleb D. from Morton Magnet Middle School and

                                        Brenna J. from Nathan Hale Middle School

By bringing awareness to mental health and suicide prevention to help break down the barriers of stigma, The Kim Foundation continues towards positive change in the mental health field.  We hope that through the art and creative writing contest, students were able to share their personal stories to aid in their healing and recovery.  We plan to sponsor the contest again next year, so be watching for information in future newsletters!

Lori Atkinson, Operations Assistant for The Kim Foundation

Lori Atkinson joined The Kim Foundation in May 2015 as an Operations Assistant.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree from UNL in Middle Level Education. She was an 8^th grade English teacher in the Omaha Public Schools for ten years and started a small non-profit in her husband’s memory in 2010. Lori assists with many of the day-to-day tasks for The Kim Foundation which includes scheduling presentations in the community, coordinating booths at conferences, attending mental health trainings, researching mental illness/suicide, and working community events.  Lori is the proud mom of three children and is actively involved in her church.