The winner was selected from five student finalists who submitted artwork from across the state 

Lansing, MI – Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II on Jan 20th, announced the winner of the 2023 State of the State art contest is Sydney Kuipers of Forest Hills Northern High School. The lieutenant governor selected the winner from five student finalists out of hundreds of students who submitted their artwork from around the state. The winning art piece will be featured on the 2023 State of the State program cover.   

“We know that Michigan has so many bright, gifted young people and I’m thrilled to see the artistic talents of students from across the state put on display,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. “Michigan’s strength comes from all of us working together to improve our communities, expand pathways to opportunity, and move Michigan forward. It’s encouraging to see Michigan’s strengths through these students’ eyes.” 

The art contest challenged K-12 students across Michigan to come up with a creative design for the 2023 State of the State program cover following the theme "What makes Michigan strong?" Students were encouraged to be as creative as possible and were welcome to use crayon, marker, paint, or any other material.   

WINNER OF THE 2023 STATE OF THE STATE ART CONTEST  

Sydney Kuipers, Forest Hills Northern High School, 11th Grade 

RUNNERS-UP OF THE 2023 STATE OF THE STATE ART CONTEST 

Myra Sprague, Greenville Senior High School, 12th grade 

Raegan Pena, Milan High School, 10th grade 

Neal Patwardhan, Novi Meadows, 6th grade 

Delaney LeMarbe, Flushing High School, 10th grade 

This year's prize is a Cherry Republic Go Fish Gift Box containing:   

Ruby Red Sour Cherry Patches  

Iced Imperial Pretzels   

Cherry Republic Playing Cards    

Cherry Republic Nalgene water bottle    

During her 2023 State of the State address Governor Whitmer will lay out her plans to tackle the challenges Michiganders are facing right now. Her proposals will lower costs, make Michigan more competitive, expand opportunity, and protect people’s fundamental rights. Together, they represent the future and will move Michigan forward. 

The 2023 State of the State address will be held in the Michigan House Chambers and broadcast live throughout the state on Wednesday, January 25 at 7:00PM.

View the lieutenant governor's video selecting the winner here