What do you think of when you hear the word “courtroom”? Does it elicit strong feelings? Maybe even stress or fear? Courtrooms can seem like a scary place – a place that upholds the ideals of black-and-white, wrong or right. But the Superior Court Judges in Grays Harbor say it’s much more than that. Which is why, for the second year in a row, they have added student-created art pieces to its walls with the 2025 Student Art Contest for the Grays Harbor County Juvenile Courtroom.
“The law is about more than right and wrong,” says Judge Steven Jackson. “It’s about people. In this courtroom, it’s about children still finding their way in the world. I’m encouraged by how students from around the county submitted their artwork and shared their vision of what could be.”
Grays Harbor Student Art Contest
The Student Art Contest was the brainchild of a judge. “Judge Vini Samuel had the idea for this as a way of supporting youth across the Harbor with different opportunities for their personal growth,” shares Kevin Badten, Juvenile Court administrator. “In addition, it was important to her that children are brought into an environment with elements of hope and positivity.”
It is organized by the Juvenile Department, with Debbie Dey, office administrator, and Badten, leading the charge. Children in the Grays Harbor County schools are eligible to enter the contest. Members of the juvenile justice staff judge the contest based on creativity; clarity of theme; and overall impression of the artwork.
“Whisperwood Custom Framing Studio in Montesano is a sponsor,” shares Badten. “They do a wonderful job of framing the artwork before they are hung in the Juvenile Department courtroom, and she even offers to frame the contest winner’s art for free, when we switch the artwork out for the next contest. There are additional sponsors that have made soft commitments for the 2026 contest.”
Along with the honor of having their artwork hung in the courtroom, prize money is awarded with first place receiving $125, second $50, third $25 and fourth through seventh $20 each. “Prize money was donated by court employees, since we cannot spend public funds for this purpose,” shares Badten. “We are exploring ways to accept public donations as we increase the prize money for the next art contest.” If you would like to help with a donation/sponsorship for the next contest, you can call Badten at 360.500.4113.
2025 Grays Harbor Youth Art Contest Winner
“Juvenile justice has the twin goals of punishment and rehabilitation,” shares Badten on why this event is important to the community. “Children need to see that they can make a difference in their future regardless of what their circumstances are and to know their voices are heard. Art is a manner of self-expression and communication for the artist; for the viewer it holds up the value of youth and what they think and do. That is an important recognition when a child faces the court system.”
The 2025 theme was, “My Vision of the Future Is…”
The contest winners are:
First Place: Kevin Escalante, North River Elementary School
Second Place: Jayde Wilbur, North River Elementary School
Third Place: Lyla Wheeler, North River Elementary School
Honorable Mention: Gabriella Lacy, Connections Academy
Honorable Mention: Isis Duncan-Hostick, Oakville Elementary School
Honorable Mention: Meagain Hicks, Aberdeen School District
Honorable Mention: Charlotte Philbrick, North River Elementary School
“This contest is something new that I hope keeps growing, year after year,” said Juvenile Court Administrator Kevin Badten. “We need to listen to students, and sometimes art shares ideas and points of view that they can’t express in words.”
Next year’s contest will be announced the second week of October on the Grays Harbor County Juvenile Courtroom website. The deadline is February 14, 2026, and the theme is “Best of Grays Harbor.” Prizes will be awarded to the selected winners. Submissions may be brought to the juvenile facility.
Grays Harbor County Juvenile Courtroom Art Viewing
Badten says the courtroom is usually locked, but those wanting to see the art can stop by during business hours and ask a staff member to let them in to view it. Business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
