Celebrating creativity: Meet the 2025 District 214, Daily Herald Community Art & Writing Contest winners
Art, poetry and fiction writing aren't talents that are supposed to fade away after high school. But adult life often intrudes.
The annual Arts Unlimited District 214/Daily Herald Community Arts and Writing Contest primarily celebrates adults in our community who, despite the pressures of adulthood, have continued to pursue their passion for the arts. Teens are allowed to enter, too.
We are proud to present the 2025 winners. All of their work will be published in the Daily Herald over the next week.
Here is the complete list of winners:
Visual Art
Judged by Barbara Shaffer, artist, retired District 214 art teacher and 2020 Friend of the Arts award recipient.
First place: Karen Sako, Arlington Heights, “Sirenum Scopuli”
Second place: Madalin Ramos, Prospect Heights, “We Are People”
Third place: Melanie Martinez, Prospect Heights, “Colorful People”
Prose
Judged by Bill Leece, retired English and journalism teacher, Arts Unlimited Friend of the Arts recipient.
First place: Dennis F. Depcik, Buffalo Grove, “To The Stars”
Second place: Michael Philipp, Arlington Heights, “Once Upon a Time … and Now a Warrior”
Third place: Claudia Podurgiel, Arlington Heights, “The Sun Always Rises”
Honorable Mention: Morgan Daly, Arlington Heights, “9/11 Never Forget Museum Arrives At Hersey”
Poetry
Judged by Mary Larson, retired District 214 English teacher and 2023 Friend of the Arts recipient.
First place: Toni Louise Diol, Arlington Heights, “Alicia's Star”
Second place: Harry Trumfio, Arlington Heights, “Jazz”
Third place: Alondra Navarro, Wheeling, “America’s Daughter”