GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Nusra Juma, a junior at Ottawa Hills High School, has been awarded the top honor at the 2024 SmartArt Awards for her artwork titled “Earth Balance.”
Juma received a $2,000 scholarship and an Apple laptop, provided by Consumers Energy, during the awards ceremony held at Celebration Cinema’s Studio Park. The top ten finalists were also recognized with various prizes, including Apple laptops, iPads, and Meijer gift cards.
Angie Cifuentes, a sophomore from Museum High School, won the People’s Choice Award for her entry, “Left for Dead.” This award was determined by public vote and highlights the community’s appreciation for her work.
The 20 finalist artworks are currently on display at Grand Rapids City Hall, located at 300 Monroe Ave. NW, and will be featured there until September 28. Additionally, the top ten winners are showcased on a large banner outside the Consumers Energy electric substation at the corner of Fulton Street and Market Avenue, making their work highly visible to ArtPrize visitors.
This collaborative initiative between Grand Rapids Public Schools, Consumers Energy, and ArtPrize is dedicated to encouraging young artists to explore sustainability themes through their creative projects.
“Our scholars' creativity, dedication, and commitment to sustainability are truly inspiring,” said GRPS Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby. “The fact that their work is being celebrated on such a large stage, with the support of Consumers Energy and ArtPrize, speaks volumes about the power of combining education, art, and environmental awareness. This competition is a remarkable example of what’s possible when young minds actively engage with the world around them.”
“We are proud to support the SmartArt competition and the rising talent of young artists coming from GRPS,” said Cathy Wilson, Consumers Energy’s executive director of corporate giving. “Consumers Energy is committed to a sustainable energy future for generations. The creativity these students show in their artwork highlights our shared passion to keep our Earth in top shape.”
The 20 finalists, listed alphabetically, are:
- Samya Alford, 10th grade, Innovation Central High School
- Keyla Arcos-Lopez, 10th grade, Museum High School
- Emily Barrios, 12th grade, Southwest Middle High School
- Ingrid Bott, 10th grade, City High Middle School
- Angie Cifuentes, 10th grade, Museum High School
- Jack de Graaf, 12th grade, City High Middle School
- Lizeth Gallardo, 11th grade, City High Middle School
- Nusra Juma, 11th grade, Ottawa Hills High School
- Jana Kalumbula, 11th grade, City High Middle School
- KenZie Low, 11th grade, City High Middle School
- Jaleny Maldonado-Marroquin, 12th grade, Union High School
- Alanna Miles, 11th grade, Union High School
- Jakelin Parada, 11th grade, Southwest Middle High School
- Yarlin Reyes De la Cruz, 10th grade, Southwest Middle High School
- Lily Salacina, 10th grade, CA Frost Middle High School
- Barbie Sanders, 10th grade, Southwest Middle High School
- Lux Schmitz, 10th grade, CA Frost Middle High School
- Aeris Tuma, 10th grade, City High Middle School
- Rory VanderPloeg, 11th grade, City High Middle School
- Juana Zacarias, 11th grade, Southwest Middle High School
