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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING PROJECT RAINBOW’S INAUGURAL BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST AND HONORING STUDENT WINNERS AVA PIA AND MYRA MENDONCA
WHEREAS, Cook County is committed to inspiring its youngest residents through creative, educational, and community-focused initiatives that foster curiosity, literacy, and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes and celebrates October as National Book Month; and
WHEREAS, Cook County’s Emmy Award-winning and free Project Rainbow initiative; launched its first-ever Bookmark Design Contest for the 2025-2026 school year, inviting students in kindergarten through sixth grade to express their love for reading and community through art; and
WHEREAS, the Bookmark Design Contest serves as an innovative extension of Project Rainbow’s mission to introduce youth to the government in a creative and meaningful way, encouraging artistic expression, literacy, and civic pride among Cook County’s youngest learners; and
WHEREAS, students from across the County submitted original designs inspired by themes of books, reading, and community pride, showcasing their imagination and talent; and
WHEREAS, the 2025-2026 contest winners are:
• Ava Pia, a sixth grader at Colin Powell Middle School, whose bookmark design features turtles and the joy of reading. Ava shared, “I drew what I did because I like turtles and reading. I think people should read more and I want my bookmark to help spread that message and read what they like, no matter what.”
• Myra Mendonca, a first grader at Mark T. Skinner West Elementary School, whose artwork captures the beauty of Chicago through her eyes. Myra explained, “I wanted to draw it to show the beauty of Chicago seen through my eyes. I could see rain, sun, and a rainbow all together on this day and wanted to share it through a bookmark that would reach all kids. I love Chicago and love seeing all weathers together, all modes of transport together too!”
WHEREAS, Project Rainbow’s mission to address early education inequities amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to deliver free educational media, early childhood programming, and creative learning opportunities through County TV, a mobile app, and partnerships with local cultural institutions; and
WHEREAS, President Preckwinkle stated, “We’re excited about engaging young people at the County, and Project Rainbow is an initiative that introduces youth to government in a creative way. Having an official bookmark at the County is a great way to celebrate art by young people and encourage reading and civic participation.”; and
WHEREAS, this contest exemplifies Cook County’s continued commitment to advancing equity in education, supporting youth creativity, and celebrating the diverse perspectives of children across the County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize and celebrate the official bookmarks of Cook County for the 2025-26 school year through Project Rainbow’s Inaugural Bookmark Design Contest and congratulate its student winners, Ava Pia and Myra Mendonca, for their creativity, imagination, and contributions to Cook County’s cultural and educational landscape; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent proceedings of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and a suitable copy presented to Project Rainbow and the honorees in recognition of this meaningful achievement.
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