Launching Leaders Winners Gallery - 2024

Letters Awards

With diverse entries from many schools and talented writers, choosing winners was no easy task. Students wrote worthy essays and poems that tugged at heartstrings, that spoke of the human condition, and what’s needed for a better world. Our winners were unafraid to be private in public—to share themselves—and even scare us with their creativity! Many thanks to their parents and teachers for supporting the students.

2024 Letters Judges: Wilma Davidson, Ed.D., Amy Elder, Susan Klaus, Ros Petti

Otto Group at Hightower Advisors Award of Excellence in Letters

Kathryn Raney

Not the Golden Child

Poetry

Venice High School

Dr. Michael Raney, Assistant Principal

Florida Writers Foundation Special Award

Madeline Anderson

Premature Death

Essay

Palmetto High School

Jaime Volt, Teacher

Florida Writers Foundation and ABC Books Special Award

Jake Turner

The Bar of Love and Shame

Poetry

Pine View School

Blake Wiley and Elizabeth Loyer, Teachers

Sarasota Pen Women Merit Awards

Addyson Domian

Heroes in Disguise

Essay

Venice High School

Caitlyn Joyner, Teacher

Siedii-Courage Neufville

For Better or Worse

Fiction

Southeast High School

Kashante Mays, Teacher

Betty Altman Art Awards

The judges were thoroughly impressed by the exceptional creativity and artistic expression displayed in the student art contest. The diverse range of mediums and styles showcased the immense talent and passion of the participants. Selecting winners proved to be a challenging task, as each entry demonstrated a unique perspective and a commitment to artistic excellence. The judges commend all participants for their dedication to the craft, making the contest a celebration of artistic diversity and talent. We thank the parents and teachers for supporting and motivating these exceptional artists.

2024 Art Judges: Pamela Olin, Jana Millstone, Sue Lynn Cotton

The Betty Altman Award of Excellence

Scarlett Whisnant

Wave-bound

Painting