EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CONCORD, NH — Submissions are now open for the New Hampshire Children’s System of Care sixth annual Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest. Now through April 21, New Hampshire students in grades 5-12 are invited to submit a creative piece about their experiences and connections to mental health.
“Youth mental health is a very serious issue that requires our understanding, attention and action,” said Deb Jurkoic, Magnify Voices Committee Coordinator and NAMI NH Family Network Coordinator.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six youth in NH experience a mental health disorder each year. Early intervention for mental health improves outcomes throughout life. In 2020, 57 percent of Granite Staters with depression age 12 to 17 did not receive any care. An inadequate mental health system negatively impacts individuals, families and communities.
“When I’m in my room sadness and anger strangle my brain as I sit there and remain in my pain,” wrote middle school student, Kyra F., in her 2023 poem submission “My Mind in Meer Minutes.” “Thinking about everything — the happy girl appearances I’m trying to obtain, the weight I don’t want to gain, the good friends and grades I’m trying desperately to maintain, and the fact that everyone must think I’m insane…”.
Submissions for Magnify Voices can be in the form of a short video, song, performance, or interpretive dance (two minutes or less); an essay or poem (1,000 words or less); or a design medium such as a sculpture, photography, painting or diorama. Twelve finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges, including youth judges, and will be announced at the celebration event on May 22 at New England College in Henniker. The People’s Choice Award will be voted on by the public and announced at the event. In addition to the celebration event, all submissions will be displayed at other exhibits and events around the state.
For information or to view past submissions, visit NHCSoC.org/magnify-voices.
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