Students Represent Chapman's Holocaust Art and Writing Project

On Friday, March 9, three Harbor Day School students were honored as semifinalists in the artistic, literary, and poetry divisions for the 19th Annual Holocaust Art and Writing Project held at Chapman University. Eighth graders Hannah D., Max L., and Luke R. were honored, along with more than 50 semifinalists from schools in Orange County and around the world. South Africa, Poland, Israel, Germany, as well as other countries were represented in the international competition.

The HDS finalists were chosen from the entire eighth grade, which submitted artistic renditions depicting the challenges and horrors experienced by a particular survivor. Students listened to recorded copies of their survivor's story, and created poetry, prose and artwork to represent the survivors' Holocaust experiences.

The experience was both humbling and exciting for the finalists, who spent the day admiring other entries, enjoying the Chapman campus, and, most importantly, talking to the people who survived the holocaust. "I really enjoyed talking to the survivors, and seeing the work from the other schools' participants," said Hannah D. "I was able to take my survivor's story and put my own take on it. It made me very grateful for the life I have."