Oakland County Announces Winners of First Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest
LEFT: Sangamitra Sivachandran Narmadha, Ella Bunao, David Coulter, Shiv Lohia, Kairav Joshi and Zuri Earth
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County is proud to announce the winners of its first Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest, recognizing student creativity and reflection on the theme, “Juneteenth: What does Freedom and Equality mean to me?” The contest is part of the county’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, which took place today near the south entrance of the Oakland County Circuit Court building in Pontiac.
The event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all. The event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter joined community leaders, residents and students for a vibrant festival featuring live music, food trucks, speakers, games and the raising of the Juneteenth flag under the theme “Stronger Together: Celebrating Freedom & Community.”
“This celebration reflects Oakland County’s deep commitment to inclusion, belonging and a future where every resident is valued and welcome,” said Coulter. “The insight and heart in these student essays and artworks are powerful and inspiring.”
Winners were announced at the Juneteenth Celebration today and received a $150 gift card.
2025 Oakland County Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest Winners
Art Category Winners
- Grades K–3: Derek Flores – Blanche Sims Elementary School in Lake Orion
- Grades 4–7: Sangamitra Sivachandran Narmadha – Martell Elementary School in Troy
- Grades 8–12: Zuri Earth – Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Oakland County resident
- Post-Secondary Vocational: Taylor A. Buens – Jardon Vocational School in Ferndale
Essay Category Winners
- Grades K–3: Shiv Lohia – Brookfield Academy in Troy
- Grades 4–7: Kairav Joshi – West Bloomfield Middle School
- Grades 8–12: Ella Bunao – Athens High School in Troy
Here are some essay highlights:
Ella Bunao (Grades 8–12) of Athens High School explored the significance of Juneteenth and how freedom and equality must be actively pursued. She wrote, “Freedom means being able to live your life without fear, to speak your mind, and to make your own choices. Equality means that everyone, no matter their skin color, background, or beliefs, should be treated with the same respect and given the same opportunities.
Kairav Joshi (Grades 4–7) from West Bloomfield Middle School highlighted the power of young voices in building a more inclusive and respectful society. “Freedom lets me be myself… Equality makes sure no one is left behind,” he wrote.
Shiv Lohia (Grades K–3) of Brookfield Academy compared fairness to cookie-sharing and equality to an egg experiment in school. He wrote, “If there is freedom and equality everywhere, there’ll be no more wars. Everyone will be happy and that’s the kind of world that will be beautiful and peaceful.”