Contests

Writing and Art Contests

Each winter the Dayton Holocaust Resource Center sponsors two contests for students in grades 5 through 12. Click on the links below for complete details about the contests, including this year’s themes and deadlines. Contact dhrcdirector @ gmail.com with any questions.  The theme for the 2023 Lydia May Memorial Holocaust Writing Contest and Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Contest is:

What valuable lessons have you learned from the Holocaust?

2023 is the 90th anniversary of the Nazi assumption of power – legally and ‘democratically’! – in Germany. For the first few years Jews and other minorities were targeted in relatively minor and annoying ways – in other words, bullying – in order to prepare the country for later and more deadly policies. This year we encourage students to think about how bullying can lead to far worse outcomes if we do not stand up to it when it starts.

Entries must be submitted by Friday, March 31, 2023.  Click on the links below for full information.


Lydia May Holocaust Writing Contest

Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Contest

In 2002 we published a booklet containing some of the best contest entries from the past decade. Contact us if you would like copies, or view the entire booklet here. (large PDF file)

In 2003 and 2004, a selection of Art Contest entries were exhibited at the Webster Street Market, the Dayton Art Institute, and Sinclair Community College. Click here for the complete exhibit catalogue – thanks to Jill Wysong of the DAI. (link to catalog.pdf)

Since 2004, selected Art Contest entries have been exhibited at the Dayton Art Institute.  Some of these are pictured on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DaytonHRC