2026 Rising Stars Hillsborough and Pinellas

As part of Embracing Our Differences’ mission to celebrate and share amazing student artworks, these pieces, created by students in Manatee and Sarasota counties, are recognized as Rising Stars for the 2026 Exhibit.

Be Like Me

Arie-Anna Mervin
6th Grade, Tyrone Middle School
St. Petersburg, Florida, Teacher: Karissa James

Two Worlds Meet

Mia Decatur
11th Grade, East Lake High School
Tarpon Springs, Florida, Teacher: Eileen Iacobucci

Despia

Brielle Giering
7th Grade, Tyrone Middle School
St. Petersburg, Florida, Teacher: Karissa James

The Universal Language

Alana Samson
11th Grade, East Lake High School
Tarpon Springs, Florida, Teacher: Eileen Iacobucci

People of the World

Peyton Deining, Sofia Brakeocevic,
Olivia Rocha & Avery Wind
5th Grade, Highland Lakes Elementary
Palm Harbor, Florida, Teacher: Taylor Martins

Open the Door

Rosa Alonso & Carrie Murphy
5th Grade, Highland Lakes Elementary
Palm Harbor, Florida, Teacher: Taylor Martins