Sussex Academy students win statewide poster contest

Sussex Academy students Zylah Nash and Patrick Keller each won first place in their divisions of the 2026 Teen Dating Violence Poster Contest sponsored by the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.

First-place winners receive $350 and a family pass to the Delaware Art Museum from the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Delaware Art Museum, said Francisca Moreno of the DVCC.

“Social media can skew our view of the relationships around us and, in some cases, influence our decisions to stay in unhealthy ones,” Moreno said. “Let’s be clear. Technology is not the problem; abuse is. These are new tools for old behavior. I am glad this contest can bring awareness to the nuances that exist in teen dating violence.”

Nash, a freshman, was named first-place winner in the high school category and was recognized by DVCC at Legislative Hall March 9. As an eighth-grader last year, Nash won third place in the middle school category for her work.

This year’s theme, Beyond the Post: Safety, Privacy and Empowerment Online, resonated with Nash as she created her design.

“I came up with this idea because when I heard it was about online relationships, I immediately thought of a tablet and the different apps people use to communicate with others,” Nash said. “So, instead of using those apps, I turned them into ways for teens to stay safe online and keep their private information to themselves so they don’t end up in a bad situation.”

One judge said Nash had a great message that was on theme and that used a great mix of techniques, Moreno said.

Keller, a seventh-grader, won first place in the middle school category. A judge noted that his work contained great messages, and they loved his talent. Keller, who said he enjoys art and graphic design, said his sister encouraged him to enter the contest. Keller was also invited to the recognition ceremony but was unable to attend.

Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter K-12 school in Georgetown.