Medford's local high school artists are in the spotlight, with the City of Medford recently revealing the 2024 Community Art Contest winners. The young talents were challenged to encapsulate the theme of "Community" through their art, earning a chance for their work to grace the walls of City Hall and a $1,000 scholarship to support their future educational endeavors.

The contest drew diverse submissions, but four students managed to outshine their peers with their unique portrayals of Medford’s essence. According to an announcement on the City of Medford, the City Council picked winners like Madeline Pepper, who offered "My Interpretation of the Winter Lights Festival," and Serafina Batista's "Growers and Crafters," Kiah Otjen's "Natures Contrast", and Lily Zavala’s "Let's Medford Together," for fittingly representing the heart of local life and traditions.

While the accolades were bestowed upon four, the contest was a close race with noteworthy contributions by other students such as Abigail Lambourne and Amalie Williams from Ward 4 and Amelia Hall from Ward 2, among others. The full list of participants and their artwork showcases a young collective rich in talent and perspective, each telling their own story of community in Medford.

The art contest, marked by passionate interpretations and a broad appreciation for the city's culture, reflects a growing surge in collective identity and individual expression within Medford. The City Council expressed its appreciation for all the participants, noting the creativity and passion in this year’s contest were truly inspiring, as they encouraged the public to view the winning entries. The community can enjoy these visual narrations at City Hall, serving as a testament to Medford's vibrant youth and the fertile soil from which their artistry grows.