News

6 May, 12:15 PM

Pontiac, MI, May 6, 2026—Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg—in partnership with Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency—announces the 2026 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest.

• This year marks the 15th annual contest, with 153 original artworks expressing financial decision-making, independence and long-term planning from Oakland County high school students, representing 18 public schools and the second-highest number of submissions.
• Cash prizes were awarded at each grade level—including honorable mentions—with support from financial sponsor Flagstar Bank, which provided a $10,000 prize pool. Winning entries were selected based on their creativity, artistic execution and effectiveness in conveying the theme of financial empowerment.
• Winning entries will be displayed at the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office and website, showcasing student voices and original interpretations of financial empowerment.

Pontiac, MI, May 6, 2026 – Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg—in partnership with Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency—announces the 2026 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest. The winners and honorable mentions were recognized during a private awards reception at Flagstar Bank Headquarters in Troy, Mich.

This year’s contest marked the 15th annual program and welcomed 153 submissions from 18 public high schools across Oakland County—the second-highest participation in the contest’s history. Student artists were invited to submit original work that reflected the theme of financial empowerment through drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, video and illustration.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners and to every student who submitted their work for the 15th annual contest. Each entry reflects a unique perspective on financial decision-making and the importance of financial empowerment,” said Oakland Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. “We appreciate our partners at Flagstar Bank, Oakland Schools and OLHSA for their continued collaboration and commitment to this program. We are also grateful to the teachers and advisors who encouraged and supported their students throughout the process.”

"The year’s contest submissions showcased the diversity of perspectives on budgeting, saving, investing, and planning for the future. The students’ artwork is truly inspiring and we’re proud to celebrate the incredible creativity of Oakland County's high school students,” said Lisa Brownfield, Relationship Manager, Government Banking at Flagstar. “Flagstar believes in supporting programs that empower young people to think boldly about their financial futures. We extend our congratulations to all the winners—we can't wait to see where your talent takes you."

“Oakland Schools is proud to support a program that gives students a meaningful platform to connect creativity with real-world financial learning,” said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. “The artwork submitted this year reflects the talent, insight, and perspective of Oakland County students, while reinforcing the importance of financial decision-making, independence, and long-term planning. We congratulate all of the winners and thank Treasurer Wittenberg, Flagstar Bank, and OLHSA for investing in opportunities that help students build skills for their future.”

Winning entries were selected based on creativity, artistic execution and how effectively each piece communicated key financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing and planning for the future.

The winners and honorable mentions will receive cash prizes from a $10,000 contest fund provided by Flagstar Bank. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office and featured online with all student entries.

The cash prizes are $1,000 (first place), $750 (second place), $500 (third place) and $100 (honorable mention), and the 2026 winners are:

The 2026 winners and honorable mentions are:

12th Grade

First Place – Olivia Beltran, Rochester High School
Second Place – Tyler Toth, Lake Orion High School
Third Place – Annie Zhao, International Academy
Honorable Mention – Gabriel Barkas, Novi High School
Honorable Mention – Amelia Meier, Rochester High School
Honorable Mention – Sayani Palomet, Rochester High School

11th Grade

First Place – Avery Feldman, Rochester High School
Second Place – Vivianne Muehlheim, OSTC-NW
Third Place – Daphne Smid, Lake Orion High School
Honorable Mention – Daniel Dimitry, Rochester High School
Honorable Mention – Avery Nieset, OSTC-SW
Honorable Mention – Eunchae Shin, Rochester High School

10th Grade

First Place – Ava Wagner, Waterford Mott High School
Second Place – Ishan Irfan, Troy Athens High School
Third Place – Ellie Rupert, Rochester High School
Honorable Mention – Reese Mowrey, Lake Orion High School
Honorable Mention – Isabella Sorenson, Lake Orion High School

9th Grade

First Place – Rishika Pradhap, International Academy
Second Place – Nina Howitt, Lake Orion High School
Third Place – Savannah Tedder, Troy Athens High School
Honorable Mention – Evy Bednar, Rochester High School
Honorable Mention – Taein Kang, Rochester Adams High School

For more information about the contest and to view this year’s submissions, visit the Oakland County Treasurer’s website at oakgov.com/arts.

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Media Contacts:

Ainsley Lengerich
Oakland Schools
Ainsley.Lengerich@oakland.k12.mi.us
248-209-2114

Renée T. Walker
Oakland County Treasurer’s Office
walkerr@oakgov.com
313-719-8038

Jessica Torchia
jessica.torchia@flagstar.com
248-312-6451