The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) today announced the 12 winners of the New York State “Kids Safe Online” Poster Contest. The winners were selected from nearly 575 participants, from schools across New York State. Winning posters may be viewed on the ITS website.
The goal of the contest, held annually since 2005, is to engage young people in thinking about cybersecurity through the creation of posters that will encourage their peers to use the internet safely and securely. The contest also serves as an opportunity for teachers across New York State to address and reinforce cybersecurity and online safety issues in the classroom. Students have a chance to illustrate their concerns about cyberbullying, sharing too much personal information and the appropriate use of social media platforms with their peers and teachers in a positive way.
The contest, hosted by the New York State Office of Information Technology Services, was open to New York State students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
New York State Chief Information Officer Dru Rai said “Our children are using the internet at home and school at ever younger ages. It is essential that we teach school-age children to safely navigate the internet. Our review of this year's submissions clearly indicates to me that students throughout New York State have a strong understanding of online safety issues. They deserve praise for their level of understanding and their interest in the promotion of digital safety and responsibility among their classmates.”
"For 21 years, New York State has proudly hosted this poster contest. Each year the quality and creativity of the submissions we have received have been impressive. With over 500 unique entries this year, it was a challenge to select from such a wide range of excellent work. However, with our selections made, we are proud to announce the 12 contest winners,”” said New York State Chief Information Security Officer Chris DeSain.
The winners’ artwork will be featured in the 2026 New York State “Kids Safe Online” Calendar. Winners will also receive a New York State certificate of achievement.
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 New York State Poster Contest winners:
Ava, Grade 8
Danielle Chung, Grade 6, South Woods Middle School, Syosset CSD
Davian Galindez-Costas, Grade 4, Gardiner Manor Elementary School, Bay Shore UFSD
Emmie Martin, Grade 5, Sheridan Hill Elementary, Clarence CSD
Jackson Lehmann, Grade 9, Plainedge High School, Plainedge School District
Leah Bluhm, Grade 2, Ledgeview Elementary, Clarence CSD
Olivia McKenna, Grade 2, Ledgeview Elementary Clarence CSD
Ronald Ramirez, Grade 10, Saunders Trades and Technical Highschool, Yonkers Public Schools
Samara Choudhury, Grade 7, New Hyde Park Memorial, Sewanhaka CHSD
Seilen Nakamura, Grade 5, P.S. 130M - The Hernando Desoto School, District 02
Zayaan Chengazi, Grade 2, Ledgeview Elementary, Clarence CSD
Mackenzie Ho, Grade 12, Francis Lewis High School, District 26
Access more information on the New York State “Kids Safe Online” Poster Contest at https://its.ny.gov/cybersecurity.
