On Sunday, February 22, the GEM Project Dayton Art Competition Ceremony was hosted at the Dayton Public Library to celebrate creativity and courage. Three talented painters from Xenia High School represented the community, showcasing works developed over months of dedicated effort.
 
XHS students Emma Gilliam, Camora McCoy and Azalynn Mira submitted their work for the competition, which was centered on the theme of Resilience, directly supporting the GEM Project’s mission of youth suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The evening included a major win for Xenia’s own Emma Gilliam, who was presented with the "Radiant Ruby Award." In addition to the recognition, Emma received a $250 prize for her efforts.
 
"We are incredibly proud of Emma and all our participating students for using their voices to tackle such a critical issue," said Dr. Gabriel Lofton, Superintendent of Xenia Community Schools. "Art has a unique way of opening doors to difficult conversations, and seeing our students use their talents to promote healing and resilience shows the true character of our student body."
 
Xenia High School Art Teacher, Taylor Kostelnak, who accompanied the students to the event and mentored them throughout the process, noted the depth of their commitment.
 
"These students spent months pouring their hearts into their work” Kostelnak said. “They reflected on what it means to persevere, and Emma’s award is a testament to both her skill and her compassion."
 
About the GEM Project
The GEM Project (Generate, Educate, Mobilize) is a grassroots initiative focused on youth suicide prevention through the arts. By encouraging students to express complex emotions through creative mediums, the project fosters a supportive environment for mental health advocacy.
 
Members of the public can view Emma’s winning piece and the work of other local artists by visiting the GEM Project homepage.