Spirit of 9/12 Awards 2025

Students across Fresno County are using their creativity to honor the spirit of unity that followed September 11 through the annual Spirit of 9/12 Art and Poetry Contest, hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and the 9/11 Memorial.

At Clark Intermediate School, digital art students prepare months in advance to create powerful pieces for the contest. This year’s winners include Amya, whose logo design symbolizes people holding hands to reflect how the country came together, Sandra Antonio Rios from Washington Union High School, who surprised herself by winning with her very first poem, and Sarahi Gutierrez from Roosevelt High School, who expressed the delicate nature of 9/11 through her artwork.

Each grand prize winner received a laptop and a $1,000 scholarship, a recognition of their talent and the impact of their work.

Watch how these middle and high school students use art, poetry, and design to share powerful stories of resilience, hope, and unity in this special Education Matters segment on KSEE 24 Local News That Matters.

Thank you to our sponsors – Educational Employees Credit Union, Chevron & Fresno Pacific University