Jersey City Middle Schooler Honored By NJ's Teen Media Contest

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A Jersey City middle school student was honored by the state for winning third place in the NJ Child Support Teen Media Contest.

Tian Hu, a student from Academy 1 Middle School, won third place for his written piece "A Year's Change, a Mother's Support." Hu was one of 12 New Jersey high school and middle school students honored by the state.

Hu's work can be read on the contest website.

Students across New Jersey were asked to submit artistic visual and written portrayals celebrating how the teens, their family, and loved ones supported each other through the changes of the previous year, from remote schooling to finding new ways for families to stay connected during the pandemic. Teens enter the annual contest individually or through their school, and winners’ works are featured in Human Services’ Child Support calendar published each year. Winners are chosen based upon their interpretation of the year’s theme.

“The last year and a half have been incredibly difficult for many families. It is wonderful to see young people have the opportunity to share their stories and experiences through art, and contemplate the importance of strong family bonds especially during challenging times,” said Acting Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “I congratulate the winners and all who participated, and encourage everyone to see the works created by these young talented artists.”

In addition to having their work featured in the 2022 Child Support calendar, students with winning entries will receive gift certificates and congratulatory plaques acknowledging their achievement.