McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum Announces Winners in National Student Expression Contest

CHICAGO, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum is celebrating youth voices by awarding 11 talented high school students for their depictions of contemporary freedom issues. In the Freedom Museum's national student expression contest, Seen & Heard, students express their thoughts on contemporary social, political or economic issues using four media outlets: editorial cartoons, film, photojournalism and Web design. Each category includes a grand prize winner and two finalists. The winning works will be displayed in a special exhibit, Seen & Heard, at the Freedom Museum in April.

"The old adage 'children should be seen and not heard' was the inspiration for the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum's student expression contest," said Nathan Richie, director of programs and exhibits, McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum. "It is often said that students' voices are among the most powerful in the nation, but also among the most censored. Since we are the first museum dedicated to freedom and the First Amendment, it is our goal to give teens an outlet to make their voices heard."

    The 2008 Seen & Heard winners include the following individuals:

    Editorial Cartoon Category
    1. Katie Miller, 11th grade, St. Francis High School, Traverse City, Mich.
    2. Luis Correa, 10th grade, Chicago Math and Science Academy, Chicago,
       Ill.
    3. Elle Opitz, 12th grade, Oak Lawn Community High School, Oak Lawn, Ill.


    Film Category
    1. Justin Li, 12th grade, Lowell High School, San Francisco, Calif.
    2. Catherine Faris King, 12th grade, Notre Dame Academy, Los Angeles,
       Calif.


    Photojournalism Category
    1. Nicole Bediako a 12th grade, at White Plains High School, White Plains,
       N.Y.
    2. Rebecca Lewis, 11th grade, Mililani High School, Mililani, Hawaii
    3. Ashten Barlow, 12th grade, Beaumont School, Cleveland Heights, Ohio


    Web Design Category
    1. Daniela Mejia, 10th grade, Atlantic High School, Delray Beach, Fla.
    2. Kristy Smith, 12th grade, Shadow Ridge High School, Las Vegas, Nev.
    3. Brooke Yarger, 10th grade, Clear Creek High School, Stoutsville, Ohio

According to recent research, students today hold a number of misconceptions about the First Amendment and are likely to be more censorious on issues than their elders. A study done by the Associated Press in 2005 found that 99 percent of high school administrators believed that people should be able to express unpopular views, while only 83 percent of students agreed. In order to protect freedoms for future generations, teens today must value and understand their freedoms. The Seen & Heard contest not only gives high school students the opportunity to learn first-hand about their First Amendment rights, but also allows them to apply their knowledge on contemporary freedom issues.

"The Freedom Museum hopes to showcase the benefits of free expression enabled by the First Amendment through this contest and special exhibit in April," said Richie. "When young people practice the five freedoms, enhanced appreciation follows, along with a greater commitment to defending them in the future."

In April, the grand prize winners, along with their teachers and parents/guardians, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Chicago to attend the opening of the Seen & Heard exhibit and a $500 cash prize.

Special Exhibit

On April 12, the Freedom Museum opens a new temporary exhibit, Seen & Heard, showcasing students' work from across the country and depicting their thoughts on contemporary freedom issues. The exhibit reveals that the First Amendment flourishes in our nation's schools and among its students. Through student media and expression, the Museum hopes to inspire other teens visitors to value the role the First Amendment plays in protecting freedom for future generations. The exhibit runs through May 29, 2008.

About the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum

The McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum inspires generations to understand, value and protect freedom. Through interactive exploration, visitors gain a greater understanding of the struggle for freedom in the United States and the role the First Amendment plays in society. The McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum is part of the McCormick Tribune Foundation family, which also includes the Robert R. McCormick Museum, Cantigny Park and Golf, the Cantigny First Division Foundation and five grant making programs.

A focus on children, communities and country binds the Foundation and its many parts and keeps us true to our mission of advancing the ideals of a free and democratic society. To learn more, please visit http://www.mccormicktribune.org.