Wednesday, Mar 12, 2025
The Florida Department of Education’s prestigious Art in the Capitol competition has awarded 8th-grade student Lingya Du for her exceptional artwork, "Wings Over Czortków," which earned her first place in the statewide competition. The theme of this year's competition, “Tribute to an Unsung Hero,” invited students to create pieces honoring individuals who demonstrated courage and compassion, shaping history without receiving recognition in their lifetime.
Lingya Du was one of four finalists selected from our middle school by a panel of teachers, and her artwork stood out for its powerful representation of an unsung hero, Meva Mikusz. Meva, a courageous young woman, rescued a Jewish child, Inka, from the Nazi-occupied Czortków ghetto at just fifteen years old, risking her own life to save another. Inspired by Meva’s bravery, Lingya’s piece reflects themes of protection and quiet courage, symbolizing Meva as a guardian figure who acted selflessly in the face of danger.
In her description of the artwork, Lingya expressed her admiration for Meva's actions, saying, “Meva’s bravery left me in awe. It showed me that kindness and virtue can have a significant impact on someone else’s life, even if it goes unnoticed by history.”
The Art in the Capitol Competition is an annual statewide visual arts event that allows students in grades 6 through 8 from public, charter, private, and home education schools across Florida to showcase their talent. Each district holds a competition, and artworks are judged by a selection committee of art teachers whose students have not entered the contest.
Lingya’s artwork will be displayed in the Capitol building in Tallahassee, serving as a tribute to Meva Mikusz and others like her, who made a profound difference through acts of quiet heroism.
We are incredibly proud of Lingya and her artistic talent and are honored to have her represent our school at this state level. This victory highlights the importance of learning about history, compassion, and the power of art to bring attention to meaningful stories that deserve to be remembered.