Two East Middle School students have been selected as winners in the 2026 Shanti Fund Peace Art Calendar Contest, which invited students to create pieces that express themes of peace and gratitude. Eighth grader Anabel Umanzor and sixth grader Said Jordan Romero were chosen for their artwork in this year’s contest.

The calendar project is run by Shanti Fund, a Long Island-based charitable organization that promotes peace and nonviolence among children through education and community events. The group works with schools to display student art in an annual peace calendar that is shared throughout the community.

As middle school winners, both students will receive a cash prize and will have their work published in the 2026 Shanti Fund calendar. The award presentation will take place in April 2026 with details still to be announced.

East Middle School leaders and teachers expressed pride in the students for using their creativity to contribute to a powerful message of peace.