Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Emily’s Hope Youth Art Showcase brought together young artists from across the region to creatively express themes of resilience, mental health and substance use prevention. Held on Thursday, April 23rd, the showcase celebrated the voices and talents of students who used art, poetry, and performance to share powerful messages related to the theme, “Rise Above.”
The showcase featured 40 student submissions from Sioux Falls middle and high school students, as well as moving poetry readings and a beautiful dance performance. The night also included guest speaker Sheku Bannister, also known as BIGG SHAKE, a performer and community leader who uses music and mentorship to inspire resilience in young people. More than 100 attendees gathered to experience the inspiring works and support the young artists who bravely shared their stories through creative expression.
The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of JD’s House of Trophies and Mosaic Arts & Events.
Nine students were honored as first-place winners of the 2026 Youth Art Showcase:
- Sophia Pascoe, Lincoln High School (2D)
- Remi Byrd, O’Gorman High School (3D)
- Kenna Archer, Lincoln High School (Mixed Media)
- Isabella Everhart, Gayville-Volin (Dance)
- Eden Hitchcock, Lincoln High School (Poetry)
- Sadie Wick, Patrick Henry Middle School
- Bella Heumoeller, Ben Reifel Middle School
- Adalia Nagorniuk, Whittier Middle School
- Brianna Langdon, Edison Middle School
Runner-up recognition was awarded to:
- Grace Kiser, Roosevelt High School (2D)
- Keni Oddi, O’Gorman High School (3D)
- Tianna Schaefer-Lightfoot, Joe Foss Alternative High School (Mixed Media)
- Eden McKee, Patrick Henry Middle School
- Stella Opal Howe, Ben Reifel Middle School
- Eldana Tadesse, Whittier Middle School
Sophia Pascoe, a senior at Lincoln High School, was also our 2026 Emily’s Hope Art Scholarship recipient and will attend Augustana University this fall to study art.
“Facilitating art workshops in two middle schools this year gave me a unique opportunity to watch students’ ideas come to life,” said Courtney Hardie, Youth Prevention Coalition Manager at Emily’s Hope. “Through conversations about what they were creating, why they were creating it, and what they learned along the way, I saw firsthand the power of art as a tool for self-expression and reflection.”
All of the winning artwork is currently on display at the City Center, across from the downtown library. City Center is open to the public, and the community is encouraged to stop in to view the artwork and celebrate the creative contributions of local youth.
The Youth Art Showcase is part of Emily’s Hope’s ongoing prevention initiatives led by the Youth Prevention Coalition, an effort supported through the organization’s Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant. The showcase aligns with Emily’s Hope’s mission to remove the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and prevent future tragedies through education, early intervention, and community engagement. Events like the Youth Art Showcase provide young people with meaningful opportunities to express themselves, share their experiences, and inspire others through the power of creativity.
To learn more about Emily’s Hope and its prevention initiatives, visit www.emilyshope.charity.
