Students Honored at Chapman’s Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art & Writing Contest

Students from across the United States and around the world were honored at Chapman University during the Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art & Writing Contest, an international competition that invites middle and high school students to reflect on the lessons of Holocaust history through art, film, poetry, and prose. 

The awards ceremony marked the 27th anniversary of the contest presented by the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education at Chapman and The 1939 Society. It brought together students, educators, and Holocaust survivors, creating a powerful intergenerational moment as students presented creative works inspired by survivor testimony and this year’s theme, “Holding on to Hope.” 

“In our exceedingly troubled world, the courage and optimism expressed by Holocaust survivors and rescuers and by the students who have responded to their work is a bright beacon and inspiration for all of us to persevere and work toward a more just, peaceful, and humane world,” said Marilyn Harran, founding director of the Rodgers Center and Stern Chair in Holocaust Education. 

Students listened to the testimony of a Holocaust survivor or rescuer and selected a specific experience from their testimony that reflects hope and inner strength. Using the survivor or rescuer’s experience as inspiration, students created original works exploring how holding on to hope empowered the survivor to endure unimaginable adversity. This year’s contest drew participation from more than 200 schools across 32 states and six countries, with international entries from Canada, North Macedonia, the Philippines, Poland, Romania and South Africa.   

“Your creativity is a gift of mind and heart to the survivor just as their sharing of their experiences, which often meant reliving the most difficult of memories, is a gift to you,” said Chapman President Matt Parlow. “Through this special connection you have made, you now have a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust. Listening to your survivor’s testimony may also have strengthened your resolve to stand up and speak out against antisemitism, hate, and bigotry.“ 

Special Guest 

This year’s event featured a keynote address delivered by Catie Chase, a third-generation Holocaust survivor. In her talk, “Carried By Hope: My Grandparents’ Stories of Survival,” Chase introduced the audience to her grandparents, Sol and Fay Chase, sharing their story of resilience as they held tightly to hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.

“Hope took many forms. Sometimes it was big, sometimes it was fleeting, and sometimes it was simply getting through the next hour,” Chase told the audience. “It came from believing that loved ones might still be alive, from living for someone else, from finding meaning and purpose, and from refusing to surrender dignity. Hope also came from the belief that someone had to survive to tell the world what had happened.” 

Holocaust survivors Jenny Unterman, Tova Rotlevy Cohen, and Sam Silberberg attended the event, offering students a rare and powerful opportunity to hear their stories firsthand. Through personal conversations with survivors and their families, members of the second and third generation, students connected directly with living history, bridging generations in a way that brought the lessons of the Holocaust into sharp, human focus. These exchanges underscored the importance of remembrance and the responsibility carried by younger generations to listen, learn, and ensure that these stories—and their enduring lessons—are never forgotten. 

2026 Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art & Writing Contest Winners 

Judges selected five finalists in each category before determining first- and second-place winners in art, film, poetry, and prose in both middle and high school divisions. View the winning selections.   

Middle School Prose 

• • First Place: Saanvi Lanke, Shady Grove Middle School, Gaithersburg, MD (Teacher: Brook Lundy) 

• • Second Place: Viana Ghaderi, Pioneer Middle School, Tustin, CA (Teacher: Heather Tolliver) 

Middle School Poetry 

• • First Place: Bethel Bernier, Acaciawood Preparatory Academy, Anaheim, CA (Teacher: Mercy Hearne)  

• • Second Place: Aaron Knoll, Orchard Hills School, Irvine, CA (Teacher: Lee-Ann Lippert) 

Middle School Art 

• • First Place: Audrey Ho, Brea Junior High School, Brea, CA (Teacher: Teri Syck) 

• • Second Place: Jackelyn Voegtly, Travis Ranch Middle School, Yorba Linda, CA (Teacher: Kimmi Carlos) 

Middle School Film: 

• • First Place: Kate Yamasaki, Travis Ranch Middle School, Yorba Linda, CA (Teacher: David Gillette) 

• • Second Place: Rohan Kataria, La Paz Intermediate School, Mission Viejo, CA (Teacher: Carol Shears) 

High School Prose: 

• • First Place: Meital Kochinsky, Northwood High School, Irvine, CA (Teacher: Jennifer Guy) 

• • Second Place: Natalie Hong, Sunny Hills High School, Fullerton, CA (Teacher: Dr. Christina Zubko) 

High School Poetry: 

• • First Place: David Ramos-Reyes, Early College High School, Costa Mesa, CA (Teacher: Melissa Cruz Alvarado) 

• • Second Place: Laura Batista, Hawthorne Math and Science Academy, Hawthorne, CA (Teacher: Megan Enger) 

High School Art: 

• • First Place: Alma Miller, Shalhevet High School, Los Angeles, CA (Teacher: Ruthie Skaist) 

• • Second Place: Seylah Bae, El Dorado High School, Placentia, CA (Teacher: Christine Williams) 

High School Film: 

• • First Place: Madeline Thach, Prescott Homeschool Academy, Colleyville, TX (Teacher: Stephanie Thach) 

• • Second Place: Brendan Bui, Canyon High School, Anaheim, CA (Teacher: Tannis Deloyola) 

How to Participate in the Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art & Writing Contest 

Last year, the program was renamed in honor of Holocaust survivors Sala and Aron Samueli, parents of Orange County–based philanthropist and technology leader Henry Samueli—ensuring the contest will continue for years to come.  

To take part in the contest, schools must register in advance. Learn more about the registration process.