Creativity is more than just a form of self-expression – it’s a powerful tool for mental well-being. Whether through writing, drawing, painting, or crafting, engaging in creative activities provides numerous benefits that support emotional and psychological health.
As St. Clair County Community Mental Health (SCCCMH) celebrates the winners of the 2025 Creative Arts Contest, it’s the perfect time to explore how artistic expression can positively impact mental wellness and how students in our community use creativity to share meaningful messages.
The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health
Research has shown that creative activities can reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function.
Nora Condland, a local artist, has been working with SCCCMH and local students to create spaces where art promotes healing and wellness.
“Creating art, writing poetry, or designing can be a healthy outlet for emotions, helping individuals constructively process feelings,” Condland says. “There are a number of ways that creativity supports mental wellness which is why it’s important to encourage creative outlets at all ages.” Some of those benefits include:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety—Creative expressions, such as painting or writing, allow the mind to focus on tasks, providing a break from everyday worries. Studies suggest that making art can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
- Boosts Self-Esteem – Completing a creative project gives a sense of accomplishment and pride, helping individuals feel more confident in their abilities.
- Enhances Emotional Expression – Art provides an alternative way to express emotions that might be difficult to verbalize. This is particularly beneficial for children and teens struggling to communicate their feelings.
- Encourages Mindfulness – Engaging in creative activities requires concentration and can foster mindfulness, promoting relaxation and a sense of inner calm.
Celebrating Young Artists in Our Community
Every year, SCCCMH hosts the Creative Arts Contests, encouraging students across St. Clair County to use their creativity to promote mental wellness. The contest invites elementary students to design bookmarks, middle school students to write poetry, and high school students to create artwork – all based on an inspiring theme.
The 2025 contest saw incredible talent from young artists who used their creativity to spark conversations about mental health.
“Through vibrant illustrations, thoughtful poetry, and meaningful designs, these students are helping raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being in our community,” says Deb Johnson, CEO of St. Clair County Community Mental Health. “We are proud to recognize their efforts and showcase their work as a testament to the healing power of art. This is a powerful way for local youth to get involved in talking about the negative impacts of stigma and highlight their understanding of mental wellness.”
2025 Creative Arts Contest’s Recognition
To view a complete gallery of winners from this year’s Creative Arts Contest, visit:
www.scccmh.org/events/creative-arts-contest
- Elementary School Bookmark Contest
- Kindergarten: Aaleiana Huber, Gearing Elementary School
- First Grade: Madelyn VanBelle, Gardens Elementary School
- Second Grade: Maysa Northop, Morton Elementary School
- Third Grade: June Brengman, Avoca Elementary School
- Fourth Grade: Brynn Cassady, Thomas Edison Elementary School
- Fifth Grade: Tatum Grove, Washington Elementary School
- Middle School Poetry Contest
- Grand Prize: Together We Rise, by Kaelin Morris, Yale Junior High School, Eighth Grade
- First Place: Brighter Tomorrow, by Jozzlynn Stockwell, Central Middle School, Seventh Grade
- Second Place: Save the Day, by Kelsey Reno, Yale Junior High School, Eighth Grade
- Third Place: Fresh Start, by Jayce DeShon, Marysville Middle School, Eighth Grade
- Honorable Mention: The Heart of the Farm, by Dylan Kuklaw, Central Middle School, Seventh Grade
- Honorable Mention: New Days Ahead, by Kinley Loane, Marysville Middle School, Eighth Grade
- Honorable Mention: The Fading String, by Amaya Marsh, Marysville Middle School, Either Grade
- Honorable Mention: Finding the Light in Yourself, Angelo Toravella, Marine City Middle School, Sixth Grade
- High School Art Contest
- Best in Show: Be Kind to Your Mind, Ella Vokes, Yale High School, 10th Grade
- People’s Choice Award: Spread the Light, by Alan Daugherty, Memphis High School, 12th Grade
- First Place: A Shinier Future Working Together, by Rebecca Goodell, St. Clair High School, 12th Grade
- Second Place: Family Connections, by Mary Blanchard, Marysville High School, 12th Grade
- Third Place: Constructing a Better Tomorrow, by Grace Woodburn, Marysville High School, 10th Grade
- Honorable Mention: Lines of Connection, by Elizabeth Simons, St. Clair High School, 12th Grade
- Honorable Mention: Paradise, by Ashton Dubreuil, Port Huron Northern, 10th Grade
- Honorable Mention: Construction of Candescent, by Madeline Champion, Marine City High School, 11th Grade
- Honorable Mention: Blooming Prosperity, by Jocelynn Roberts, Marysville High School, 12th Grade
- Honorable Mention: Light at the End of the Tunnel, by Allyssa Emmitt, Yale High School, 11th Grade
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this year’s winners, we look forward to the next Creative Arts Contest in the fall. SCCCMH encourages students, parents, and educators to get involved and support this initiative. By participating, students contribute to meaningful discussions about mental health and experience the personal benefits of creative expression.
“I’ve been coordinating this contest at Marysville Middle School since it began, and I truly appreciate the thoughtful changes over the years,” says Andrea Paul, a teacher at Marysville Middle School. “The poetry contest is a wonderful way for students to engage with important mental health topics, creating a meaningful connection between our school and CMH. Even students who don’t enter walk away know more about mental wellness and community resources.”
Creativity is a powerful tool for wellness, and our community’s young artists continue to inspire us. Stay tuned for details about how to enter the 2026 contest and help spread the message that mental health matters.
For more information about SCCCMH’s Creative Arts Contest and resources on mental wellness, visit
scccmh.org.
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