Secretary Wyman with the “Who Are We?” contest winners in her office. (Photo courtesy of Laura Mott)

Visiting the state Capitol in Olympia is a fun and memorable experience by itself. But if you’re a student and getting an award during your visit, it’s unforgettable.

That was the case for five Washington students who were honored by Secretary of State Wyman in her office Thursday for being the top chosen winners for the “Who Are We?” writing, art and film contest sponsored by her Legacy Washington program, which produced  the “Who Are We?” profiles series and exhibit.

“This recognition event is really what this program is all about—engaging young people in the remarkable story of Washington and celebrating their passion in the arts and history,” Wyman said during the ceremony,  during which she presented the students with a special certificate and gift card.

The competition asked Washington students to share who they are and who they hope to become. Contestants could submit entries in different formats, including writings, two-dimensional art or film projects. There were two categories, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.

The writing contest winners are:
• Larissa Meyer, a seventh-grader at College Place Middle School, Edmonds – “Dear Future Self”
• Tyray Hunt, a 12th-grader at Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, submitted an essay entitled “Who Am I” and a poem called “Evergreen”

The art contest winners are:
• Emilie Haedt, an eighth-grader at Annie Wright School, Tacoma – “Wandering Raven”
• Chanae Bird, an 11th-grader, Joel E. Ferris High School, Spokane – “Who Am I?”

The film contest champion is Navid Rahbin, a ninth-grader at Skyview Junior High School, Bothell – “We Are Family”  

“I am so proud of the investment each of you made, the courage you’ve shown and how you fully embraced an assignment that would challenge every adult,” Wyman told the students.

Two “Who Are We?” profile subjects, Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson and Native American activist Hank Adams, were among the attendees.

The winning pieces will be posted on the Secretary of State’s website, featured in SOS publications and appear alongside the Who Are We? exhibit.

Throughout 2016, Legacy Washington released a series of online profiles about fascinating, accomplished Washingtonians, capped by last August’s launch of its “Who Are We?” exhibit in the Secretary of State’s front lobby at the Capitol. Profiles of the Who Are We? project can be viewed here.

Legacy Washington documents extraordinary stories in our state’s history. This collaborative venture, spearheaded by Wyman, relies on original sources at the Washington State Library, Washington State Library and heritage organizations across the state. Legacy Washington’s work can be found in libraries across the U.S. and in heritage organizations and schools statewide.