Minh Le, an eighth-grade student at Pine View School in Osprey, recently won a “People’s Choice” award at Embracing Our Differences’ 2026 outdoor exhibitions.
EOD recently announced the winners of the “People’s Choice” awards selected by visitors to this year’s outdoor exhibitions. A total of 1,158 visitors completed surveys and voted for their favorite artwork and quotation from among the thought-provoking works displayed throughout the exhibitions.
The selected artwork and quotation were each honored with $2,000 awards.
The “People’s Choice” quotation award was presented to Minh for the quotation “Getting older may seem terrifying, but only the luckiest people get to experience it.” Minh’s teacher is Wendy Hazlett.
The “People’s Choice” artwork award was presented to “Young Eyes” by Elise Roundtree, an 11th-grade student at Lake Howell High School in Apopka. The artwork captures a moment of curiosity and connection between two children, set against a backdrop of adult tension and division; a contrast that deeply resonated with exhibition visitors.
Sarah Wertheimer, president and CEO of Embracing Our Differences, says the awards reflect the deep emotional connection visitors felt to this year’s exhibition.
“These two works touched people in very different but equally powerful ways,” Wertheimer said. “Elise’s piece reflects the openness of youth, while Minh’s quotation offers a gentle reminder to cherish the privilege of growing older. Moments like these are why Embracing Our Differences returns year after year to create space for reflection, connection, and the recognition of our shared humanity.”
Wertheimer said that 449,982 people attended the 2026 exhibitions in Sarasota and St. Petersburg, making this year one of the organization’s most widely attended seasons to date.
For 23 years, Embracing Our Differences has drawn on the passion and perception of artists, students, and writers to create powerful statements of respect, kindness, and acceptance through its annual outdoor public art exhibitions. The exhibitions are the heart of a year-round program of activities designed to use art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote inclusion.
For more information, call 941-404-5710 or visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org.
Submitted by Su Byron
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Embracing Our Differences honors students with ‘People’s Choice’ awards
Reporting by Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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By Special to the Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
