The Power of Diversity

Last fall, PAME (Performing Arts Master Classes and Events) and the Peoria Art Guild collaborated on a photography contest, asking middle and high school students to submit pictures showing what diversity and inclusion means to them. “Show us an image that highlights the richness that makes our society and our universe a beautiful, intriguing and inspiring place,” went the call for entry. “The beauty of being different!”

“We wanted to create consciousness highlighting the importance of diversity to show that it can mean different things to people given their diverse backgrounds and circumstances,” explains Carolina Huser of PAME. “Ultimately, we wanted to promote acceptance and appreciation of all communities regardless of race, religion, gender or disability, and through the arts it was a great way of having children expressing themselves.”

“The thought-provoking photos and statements from these young students gave me hope that there can be a more loving and unprejudiced world on the horizon,” adds Shannon Cox of the Peoria Art Guild. The campaign closed on November 8, 2019, with an event at the Guild showcasing the top 30 inspiring images.

Tanya Shankar, 7th grade Dunlap Middle School: I think that this picture shows inclusion because everybody is allowed to drink from a public water fountain. Kids and adults, no matter what color, are allowed to drink from it. Society makes a difference with their water fountains. It provides a refreshing drink. So, this picture shows inclusion because it portrays the diversity of our nation and is accessible to everyone.

Esther Moreland: My fraternal twin boys, age 11, are 5th graders at Banner Elementary in Dunlap. What makes them very unique and diverse is the fact that they are: 1. Half Hungarian/Half American. They are first-generation Hungarian on the Mom’s side, born in Peoria to an American Dad. 2. The boys are Caucasian from England, France and Hungary, and also Cherokee Indian (officially on the rolls with the tribe, like their father and his ancestors) 3. The boys speak two languages at home.

Brenda Ocampo, 16 years old, Peoria High School: Diversity means to me being different but always together.

Kylie Sullivan, 11 years old, Dunlap Valley Middle School: Born with a limb deficiency. Nemo can run, too, with a lucky fin!

Skye Lipe, 11 years old, Dunlap Valley Middle School: Showing love to all of those who are diverse. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness and making them feel welcome regardless their background. Celebrate our differences with one another!

Rahul Foulger, 13 years old, Dunlap Valley Middle School: Diwali is a celebration of enjoying life to its fullest. A day for dressing up in Indian attire, savories, sweets, fireworks, lights and all things Indian.

Om Patel, 17 years old, Dunlap High School: I decided to capture a photo of trees with different colors and shapes. The trees represent all types of humans. Humans that come from different cultures and experiences. This photo shows that every person is different in their own way, but in the end they are just beautiful humans that stand tall and show their unique talents. Also, the snow on the ground shows that every human goes through hardship such as discrimination, abuse and bullying.

Natalia Barajas, 10 years old, Glen Oak School: Diversity means to me standing out being different from everyone else.

Andraia Pankey, freelance artist, 21 years old: Catrina makeup

Marisol Madrigal, 9 years old, Glen Oak School: Diversity means to me my roots Mexican/American

Evelyn Avila, 10 years old, Lincoln School: Diversity means to me being different and staying positive!

Joanna Avila, 12 years old, Lincoln School: Diversity means to me different ages, sizes and backgrounds working towards the same big dream.

Estefany Madrigal, 12 years old, Glen Oak School: Diversity means to me different happy smiles.

Zaira Ayala, 9 years old, Northmoor School: Diversity means to me bringing my culture to a different country and being proud of it!!

Natalia Rodríguez, 16 years old, Manual High School: Diversity means to me different seasonings to make the best taste.

Brenda Quintero, 13 years old, St Mark’s School: Diversity means to me different flowers makes up one beautiful bouquet.

Jackie Barajas, 16 years old, Peoria Central High School: Diversity means to me standing out!!

Diana Perez, 16 years old, Manual High School: Diversity means to me different = beautiful.

Luis Valadez: Diversity means being unique.

McKenzie Nicole Briggs, 12th grade, Pekin Community High School: Happiness and bored

Sofie Smith, 8 years old, Lincoln Elementary School, East Peoria: In this photo is me and my older brother Bucky Smith. He was born prematurely in the Philippines 10 years ago. He was tiny and only two lbs, 11oz and 14 inches long. His story is very interesting to me. I was born in the United States. Both of us live together and go to the same school. We have the same opportunities here in America. It doesn’t matter where someone was born, here we have the freedom to dream and work hard to reach our goals.

Livi Bryant, 9th grade, Brimfield High School / Hannah Capitelli, 12th grade, Richwoods High School: My picture is of me, Livi Bryant, and my Penguin Project partner Hannah Capitelli sharing a fun moment between rehearsal scenes at last year’s Penguin performance of Hairspray! The Penguin Project embraces inclusion through an annual musical theater performance. The cast is made up of kids with various special needs who are partnered with a mentor that leads them through rehearsals and performances.

Bucky Smith, 10 years old, Lincoln Elementary School, East Peoria: Included in this picture is me and my Mom and my younger sister. My Mom was born in the Philippines and moved to U.S. 20 years ago. She keeps teaching me and my sister about her country and her family who she misses a lot. She said there is a big difference between growing up in the Philippines and growing up in America. Some day she plans to take us back to the Philippines to visit family and friends.

Isabella Huser, 5 years old (with mom helping on the camera), St. Philomena Catholic School: “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”

Lucy Whitman, 6th grade, Dunlap Valley Middle School: My grandpa was recently diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and has spent several months in this hospital. Inside these walls are the people that have saved his life. Everyone was different in some way; they each had a different skill set that they brought to the table. No matter their age, race, religion, social status, etc. they use their gifts and talents together to help people and make the world a better place.

Jenniffer Vespa, 16 years old, Dunlap High School: I think this shows diversity becomes it shows how Dunlap lets me express my culture freely. I can wear my necklace to show my Mayan ancestry and get compliments, not rude looks. I was able to show off Guatemalan culture at my school's culture fair and receive compliments on traditional Guatemalan attire. I can happily express my culture and still fit in because Dunlap is diverse and every person is unique. Dunlap is my home no matter what my culture is.

Kegi Carter, 11th grade, Pekin Community High School: This image displays diversity in the community between a group of friends.

Novilee Rae Nolan, 11th grade, Pekin Community High School: This picture shows diverse friendships within my community.

Jessica Shelby, 11th grade, Pekin Community High School: Everyday citizens

Emily Barnes, 12th grade, Pekin Community High School: This picture shows the diversity in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Madisyn Kephart, 12th grade, Pekin Community High School: Seeing the diversity in the big city.

Danielle Gantt, 17 years old, Dunlap High School: The photo that I am submitting shows how there is a difference in height, skin color, size, shape, personality, style in all different types of people. Like it shows in the photo they are all holding a flag. They are flags for color guard which is something that we all share.

Maleah Otis Lewis, 10 years old, Monroe Grade School: This is Maleah taking a quick photo before she heads off to school.

Ryan & Michael Murphy, Kindergarten and 1st grades, Kellar Primary School: Diversity is definitely something our family celebrates and embraces as a same-sex married couple with our children of all ethnic backgrounds. (Aiden is 6 years old and in 1st grade; Trudy is 5 years old and in kindergarten; Brooklyn is 5 years old and in kindergarten; and Kaydyn is 7 months old.)

DeSean Knowles, 6 years old, Mount Carmel Elementary School

Manasi Kulkarni, 14 years old, Dunlap High School: This photo was taken at my middle school graduation. Three best friends, all from diverse backgrounds, sharing a special moment. I think this photo captures the spirit of diversity and inclusion in our schools.

Erin Green, 7 years old, Concordia Lutheran School: Picture of baby sister ZoëDJ Green

Elijah Edwards and Logan Vasquez, 10 years old, Germantown Hills Middle School: They both have a mixture of cultures and are best friends. They are teammates in multiple sports where they realize each of their unique qualities and differences come together to benefit the whole.

Carley Osterman, 11 years old: The beauty of these beans is in their variety of color and size.

Carley Osterman, 11 years old: Sometimes the puzzle is in how we look at things. Different people can bring new angles.

Carley Osterman, 11 years old: These colors represent different challenges in life.

Carley Osterman, 11 years old: Something doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Carley Osterman, 11 years old: These pumpkins aren’t all orange, but every one is beautiful.

Carley Osterman, 11 years old: Invite Someone Else.

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The Power of Diversity