Pontiac, Mich., Nov. 20, 2024: The Oakland County Treasurer’s Office, with partners Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank, and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, is excited to announce the 2025 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest. Open to Oakland County public high school students, this contest invites young artists to creatively express the theme of financial empowerment through 2-D art (including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, and illustration) or video. The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. on March 14, 2025, through the Treasurer’s Office website.
“This annual contest is an opportunity for high school students to learn, express, and showcase their creativity while engaging with important financial concepts,” said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. “We’re grateful to our partners, Flagstar Bank, Oakland Schools, and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, for their continued support in making this contest possible. We encourage every eligible student to participate and share their artistic voice.”
Students are encouraged to think outside the box, using their talents to illustrate the importance of financial empowerment in today’s world. Entries will be judged on creativity, artistic execution, and how well they incorporate the theme.
“As someone who has an appreciation for art, I can personally attest to the opportunities that creative studies can offer, and the powerful stories they tell,” said Kim Goethe, Director of Government Banking at Flagstar. “It’s inspiring to see these young artists blend their artistic talent with financial knowledge, creating works that not only showcase beauty but also have the potential to empower others to take control of their financial future.”
Winners and honorable mentions will receive cash prizes from a $10,000 prize pool generously provided by Flagstar Bank. Prizes are awarded for each grade level, with $1,000 first-place winners, $750 second-place, $500 third-place, and $100 honorable mentions.
Winning artworks and all entries will be displayed in the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office for a year and featured on the website.
“We believe in equipping students with practical skills that will serve them for a lifetime,” said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. “This contest emphasizes the importance of mastering essential financial concepts while providing an inspiring platform for students to blend real-world knowledge with their unique voices and creative expression.”
For more information or to review previous winners and entries, visit oakgov.com/arts.
2024
Paola Trujillo Garcia
Lake Orion High School
“Choices”
3rd Place
2023
Erika Alvarado
Pontiac High School
“Decide and Dream”
3rd Place