Plainfield Community Alliance Celebrates Community Creativity at Second Annual Kindness Contest

PLAINFIELD, IL — The spirit of compassion and creativity took center stage on Thursday, March 19, as the Plainfield Community Alliance hosted its Second Annual Kindness Contest Awards Ceremony at the Plainfield Congregational United Church of Christ.

Open to participants of all ages, the contest brought together students, adults, and families from across the community to celebrate acts of kindness expressed through art, writing, and photography. Founder Mohammed Faheem and Kindness Contest Chairperson Joan Caton welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of fostering empathy and compassion at every stage of life.

“This contest is about more than awards,” said Faheem. “It’s about building a culture where kindness is seen, shared, and celebrated across all ages. When a community comes together around compassion, it strengthens everyone.”

Caton emphasized, “Kindness is action. We must help those in need by doing what is required to make a positive difference in their lives. Otherwise, our empathy and compassion will only remain emotions, and needs will not be met.”

Organizers expressed gratitude for the support of District 202 Superintendent Dr. Glen Woods, along with district teachers and staff. Special recognition was given to the contest judges from both District 202—Sara Dyke, Jennifer Gruca, Lisa Molitor, and Nicole Zralka-Cole—and the private sector: professional photographer Jon Balke; artist Ken Markiewicz of Crayons Gone Wild; and Joliet Poet Laureate Uxmar Torres.

Winners across multiple categories were awarded cash prizes of $100 for first place and $50 for second place, made possible through contributions from the Plainfield Foundation of Excellence, Moe Joe’s Cajun & Caribbean Cuisine, Caton, Faheem, and members of the Plainfield Community Alliance.
Congratulations to all of the Contest winners!

Painting Winners

K–2nd Grade

• 1st: Miles Colwell-Ongenae
• 2nd: Mariana Calderon

3rd–5th Grade

• 1st: Leighton Kitchel
• 2nd: Camila Calderon

High School/Adult

• 1st: J.P. Milian
• 2nd: Isabella Esquivel

Photography

Adult

• 1st: John Hogan

Poetry Winners

3rd–5th Grade

• 1st: Yara Fata
• 2nd: Isaiah Blackman

High School/Adult

• 1st: Jordan McCombs
• 2nd: Berit Mores

Story Winners

3rd–5th Grade

• 1st: Elanah Dorsey
• 2nd: Amaya Lopez

6th–8th Grade

• 1st: Zayed Samra

Adult

• Jeff Detrow

“Kindness is something we can all practice every day,” Faheem added. “And when people of all ages participate, it shows that compassion is truly a shared community value.”

With growing participation and strong community backing, plans are being made to expand the contest in the coming years, continuing its mission to make kindness a cornerstone of community life.