Graphic with the headline “Students Promote Kindness Through Poster Contest” beside a photo of a student holding a certificate and a Lenovo laptop box, posing with three adults. One adult holds the student’s colorful “Be the Blueprint” poster. A “Fairplay, Home of the Jaguars” sign hangs behind them.

Middle School Students Promote  Kindness Through Art Contest

DCSS

November 12, 2026

Six Douglas County middle school students have been recognized for their outstanding artwork Raychell Thomas of Factory Shoals Middle School earned second place and received Beats Studio Pro headphones. She is pictured with Principal LaVar Hickerson and others.and creativity in the 2026 antibullying poster contest sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.’s Mu Mu Mu Chapter.

Held in partnership with Stepping Stones Foundation, the contest drew 78 participants.

“The goal was to empower students to use their creativity and voices to promote kindness, respect, inclusion and the courage to stand against bullying,” said Dion Bartley, Omega Psi Phi social action co-chairman. “Through this initiative, we hope to inspire safer schools, stronger friendships and a community where every student feels valued and supported.”

Kadence Smith of Fairplay Middle School earned first place for her winning artwork and won a Lenovo laptop.

“This was so big for me because to think just making a poster can have a big impact on the everyday life of students,” Smith said.

“Kadence’s winning entry, titled "K-12: Blueprint for Safe Schools," serves as an inspiring guide for fostering empathy and respect across all grade levels,” said Principal Fhonda Strong. “Her poster isn't just a beautiful piece of art; it's a blueprint for how we should treat one another. What makes us proudest is that Kadence lives out the message of being 'the blueprint' for kindness every single day here at FMS.”

Raychell Thomas of Factory Shoals Middle School earned second place and received Beats Studio Pro headphones.

Thomas entered the contest because she wanted to use her creativity to inspire others and encourage kindness. Brianna Goggins of Mason Creek Middle School earned third place in the poster contest. She is pictured with Principal Dr. Amanda Zito and Dion Bartley, Omega Psi Phi social action co-chairman.

Brianna Goggins of Mason Creek Middle School earned third place, while Aminah Drammeh of Chapel Hill Middle School placed fourth.

Yeager Middle School students, Jayden Sandoval and Amelia Jones, were recognized for Honorable Mention.

All six students received gift cards and certificates recognizing their achievements.

The poster contest reinforced the message of National Bullying Prevention Month, observed in October, by encouraging students to use art to promote kindness and stand against bullying. Through their creativity, the students demonstrated how art can inspire a positive school environment of respect and kindness.

Aminah Drammeh of Chapel Hill Middle School placed fourth. She is pictured with a staff member and Dion Bartley, Omega Psi Phi social action co-chairman.