Sedona student recognized among 2025 national winners
SEDONA, Ariz. — Sister Cities International has announced the launch of its 2026 Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS), an international youth competition inviting students to share their creative vision of the world through art, music, essays, photography, and poetry.
The 2026 theme, “Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow,” encourages young people to express how today’s ideas, challenges, and hopes can shape a better future. The application deadline is April 1, 2026.
Students compete in multiple age groups and artistic categories. Grand Prize winners receive $1,000, second place winners receive $500, and third place winners receive $250, along with national recognition through Sister Cities International.
Sedona’s involvement in the program was highlighted in 2025 when Maryam Jaffe, a Sedona student, earned national recognition and a $1,000 award for her winning YAAS entry. Her success reflects the strong creative talent emerging from the Sedona community and underscores the value of global cultural exchange through youth expression.
Locally, the program is supported by Sedona Sister Cities Association, which encourages students, families, and educators to participate in this unique opportunity to connect creativity with international understanding.
Complete contest details, eligibility guidelines, and application instructions are available at:
www.sedonasistercities.org/yaas-2026
About Sister Cities International
Sister Cities International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting peace and mutual understanding by fostering relationships between communities in the United States and communities around the world through cultural, educational, and humanitarian exchanges.