This week, art students are working on their submissions for the statewide melanoma awareness art competition, the RDK Kinney Art Contest. 

The contest is available for all students and teachers in Florida. Students from elementary to high school may design a poster, write a song, make a social media video, or develop a game. 

“Thousands of people die from melanoma a year,” art teacher Jelena Robbins said. “The program helps bring awareness to the issue and can save lives. People can look at what students are making and be inspired to change their bad habits.”

The winners in each grade level will receive $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $750 for third.

“I have been doing [the competition] ever since we’ve had the opportunity to do it, ever since I started teaching here,” digital art teacher James Finch said. 

The deadline for all submissions will be April 12.

“I want an opportunity for my students to be seen in our community,” Finch said. “I want them to experience that and to grow with as a creative person. I’m really proud of what we do.”

By Eric Zhang