The 2026 ESS Art Contest, themed “Imagine a day at school where toys come to life,” inspired students across the country to share their creativity through a variety of imaginative scenes.
Seven ESS judges scored each piece in the categories of artistic and technical skill, originality, adherence to theme and requirements, unique approach, and creativity of title. Based on the highest average scores, we’ve narrowed it down to the top five finalists of each grade group (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) and are excited to announce the finalists for our 2026 ESS Art Contest.
Now it’s your turn to get involved and vote for your favorites! The finalists’ pieces are posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages in no particular order. Each like, genuine comment, and share received on the original post during the voting period of April 6 – April 12 at 8 pm EDT counts as a percentage toward that piece’s final score.
The student from each group with the highest combined score will be announced as the winner of the 2026 ESS Art Contest on Wednesday, April 15.
Grade Group: 9-12 Finalists:
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- Chloe Lee (17), Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, MI: “A New Student from Magic Land”
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- Youqi Wu (16), Vista del Lago High School, CA: “Say Cheese!”
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- Laura Paredes (15), Mayde Creek High School, TX: “The Living Classroom”
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- Miah Moreira (18), Indian Land High School, SC: “Best Day Ever”
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- Luna Flores (18), Arroyo High School, CA: “The Total Chaos of Plushies”
Grade Group: 6-8 Finalists:
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- Zoya Kaur (13), Charlotte Wood Middle School, CA: “Anything Is Possible”
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- Seeun Lee (14), South Effingham Middle School, GA: “Headlines from Homeroom”
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- Emma Teague (14), Griffin Middle School, TX: “How I Came to Life”
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- Annabelle Mattson (13), Lower Dauphin Middle School, PA: “The Toys Slayed and Barbie Ate/Left No Crumbs”
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- Zahra Taleb (13), Avenel Middle School, NJ: “Who’s the Toy Now”
Grade Group: 3-5 Finalists:
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- Danielle Wong (11), Walnut Elementary School, CA: “A Magical School Day with My Toy Friends”
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- Yubin Zhu (9), White E Elementary School, TX: “When My Robot Toy Became My Classmate”
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- Edward Ng (10), Green Hope Elementary School, NC: “Kids and Toys Play Hard”
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- Mia Le (10), Arlington Classics Academy, TX: “The Toy Imagination Class”
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- Reiana Umerova (10), Heritage Elementary School, NC: “Once at School with my Favorite Plush Toys”
Grade Group: K-2 Finalists:
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- Rudra Ragavendran (7), Robertson Elementary School, TX: “When the School Bell Sleeps!”
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- Agnes Cheung (7), Yu Ming Charter School, CA: “Friends Party”
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- Ryan Maharjan (7), Cox Mill Elementary School, NC: “Crazy Day With Live Toys”
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- Irene Shin (8), Fort Lee School No. 1, NJ: “A Fun Day in the Classroom”
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- Mahati Vinoth (7), Silvercrest Elementary School, TX: “Toys as My Friends in One Day of My Life”
Good luck to all finalists of the 2026 ESS Art Contest!