Tysons Interfaith Essay and Art Contest Names 28 Winners

TYSONS, VA — Tysons Interfaith, a nonprofit made up of 19 faith communities in the greater Tysons area, has named 28 winners of its first-ever Essay and Art Contest. The contest, named "A Whole New World Starts Now," invited people of all ages to submit art works and essays on positive lessons learned from the pandemic.

A ceremony was held Sunday, Nov. 7 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in McLean to announce the winners. First prize winners in the essay contest were Annelise Shannon of Arlington (youth), Mary Johnson of Falls Church (teen), and Jeff Yeates of Arlington (adult). First prize winners in the art contest were Raymond Christiansen of Alexandria (youth), Sarah Lewis of Arlington (teen), and Rachel Short of McLean (adult).

Through art or written word, the contest participants expressed ways they've strengthened bonds with family, started new hobbies, learned something new and found joy in everyday things. Judges reviewed all of the submissions and evaluated them for technical merit, creativity and originality.

"As different faith groups, one thing we all share is optimism and hope for the future, even in
difficult circumstances," said Steve Wickman, the president of Tysons Interfaith. "We were
gratified to see essays and art works that portrayed constructive activities like baking, sewing,
and pets, and most importantly increased family time and helping others. We were particularly
pleased to see so many young children and teens participate."

Cash prizes were awarded to first, second and third place winners. Prizes for youth (12 and under) are $100, $50 and $25. Prizes for teens (13 to 18) are $200, $100 and $50. Prizes for adults (19 and up) are $200, $100 and $50.

Here are the full list of winners and their submissions:

Art

12 and under:

• 1st Prize: Raymond Christiansen, Alexandria
• 2nd Prize: Mina Liu, McLean
• 3rd Prize: Annelise Shannon, Arlington
• Honorable mentions: Goldie Christiansen, Alexandria; Leah Daniel, McLean; Olivia Goutay, McLean; Kate Higbee, McLean; Cristian Nied, McLean

13-18

• 1st Prize: Sarah Lewis, Arlington
• 2nd Prize: Aimee Abraham, McLean
• 3rd Prize: Maya Pashai, McLean

19 and over

• 1st Prize: Rachel Short, McLean
• 2nd Prize: Jyothi Sankuri, Silver Spring
• 3rd Prize: David Carr, McLean

Essay

12 and under

• 1st Prize: Annelise Shannon, Arlington
• 2nd Prize: Elaina Wang, McLean
• 3rd Prize: Akhil Deevi, Tysons
• Honorable mentions: Isha Chakala, Falls Church; Callie Moriarty, Falls Church; Maddie Thoma, Vienna

13-18

• 1st Prize: Mary Johnson, Falls Church
• 2nd Prize: Mikaela Nowinski, McLean
• 3rd Prize: Liyah Cha, McLean
• Honorable mentions: Michelle Liu, McLean; Moe Ma Kha Tun, McLean

19 and over

• 1st Prize: Jeff Yeates, Arlington
• 2nd Prize: Vinette Bowman, Arlington
• 3rd Prize: Robyn Reynolds, McLean