ART FOR LIBERTY

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August 10, 2026

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Notre Dame Prep middle school student Avni Kaarthick recognized as finalist in Oakland County Circuit Court’s “Liberty and Justice for All” jury art contest.

For Notre Dame Prep middle school student Avni Kaarthick, art is a way to explore ideas, express her imagination and connect with the world around her. Recently, it also became a way to celebrate one of the foundations of American democracy.

Kaarthick was selected as one of 12 finalists in the Oakland County Circuit Court’s Semiquincentennial “Liberty and Justice for All” jury service sticker contest. Her design was chosen from 190 entries submitted by Oakland County students as part of the court’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The contest was created to help raise awareness among young people about the importance of jury service and its role in maintaining liberty and justice. Students in grades K-12 were invited to submit original artwork reflecting the theme.

On April 28, four Oakland County Circuit Court Family Division judges — Lisa Gorcyca, Julie McDonald, Lorie Savin and Tricia Dare — selected three winning designs from the 12 finalists. Kaarthick was among the 12 finalists recognized by the court, representing Notre Dame Prep alongside students from the Berkley, Clarkston, Holly, Novi, Oxford and Waterford school districts.

The finalists and winners were recognized during a June 8 ceremony at the Oakland County Courthouse in Pontiac, where each finalist received a framed certificate. The three winning designs, created by an elementary, middle school and high school student, will be produced as stickers for jurors to select and wear during jury service.

For Kaarthick, the contest offered a unique opportunity to combine her passion for fine art with an important lesson in American history and civic responsibility.

“When I’m creating art, I can just be myself and let my imagination take over,” she said.

The rising eighth grader began studying art at age 5 and has continued to develop her skills through the encouragement of her teachers. At Notre Dame Prep, she credits middle school teacher Val Perlleshi among those who have supported her artistic growth. She also continues her studies outside of school with fine art teacher Angelina Lin of Troy.

Her interests extend beyond art. Kaarthick also enjoys volleyball, a sport that has helped her develop teamwork, discipline and perseverance. Art, meanwhile, gives her a different avenue for creativity and self-expression.

Her recognition in the Oakland County contest demonstrates how students can engage with their communities and contribute their own talents to important civic conversations. For Kaarthick, a passion for art became an opportunity to reflect on liberty, justice and the role young people can play in celebrating the nation’s history.

Congratulations to our Avni Kaarthick on this outstanding accomplishment and on representing Notre Dame Prep in a countywide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org

About Notre Dame Preparatory School
"At Notre Dame Prep, we inspire our students to become the best versions of themselves. We challenge them through an experience of academic excellence, focused on active, project-based learning. We invite them to explore a world of opportunities beyond the classroom. We guide them as they grow in spirituality within a community strong in its Catholic and Marist identity."

Notre Dame Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame Prep's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDP is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.