Erin Kawata says she was inspired by the way Michigan “illuminates the path of our nation’s growing future”
The program for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2025 State of the State address last night featured artwork from a talented young artist from Slauson Middle School.
Eighth grader Erin Kawata is the winner of the 2025 State of the State Art Contest. Her artwork, which centered around the theme “Think Michigan,” was displayed in the official program book distributed during Wednesday evening’s address at the Michigan State Capitol.
“I am extremely grateful to have been given this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity!” says Erin. “My art is inspired by how Michigan illuminates the path of our nation’s growing future, which is how I came up with the light bulb. Cursive is coming back nowadays, which is why I wrote the theme in cursive. I also included the important issues of our state and the outline of Michigan as the filament of the light bulb.”
The annual contest encourages Michigan students to showcase their artistic talents while celebrating the state’s unique culture, natural beauty, and innovative spirit. Kawata’s piece stood out among hundreds of submissions from students across the state.
Erin attended the State of the State address with Slauson Project Lead the Way (PLTW) teacher Kim Jaster and social studies teacher Corey Williams, as well as her mother, Hiroko Kawata.
Erin says she will always remember the excitement of seeing Whitmer in person—unlike other years on TV.
“Her powerful messages were very encouraging and her calmness did shine as always,” says Erin. “She truly is our brave governor who never lets obstacles stop her. Her address makes me a proud Michigander more than ever!”
Her teachers agreed it was an honor to accompany Erin to the event, and exciting to open the program and see her winning artwork.
“It’s not every day that one has the opportunity to support a student so highly regarded for her achievement,” says Jaster. “While speaking with Erin’s mother after the program, I shared that, for me, this was a once-in-a-lifetime event—an experience I will always cherish./
Jaster added that they were greeted at the door by a representative from Whitmer’s staff, who was very accommodating and congratulated Erin multiple times on her accomplishments.
Williams noted that he, too, was honored to be able to accompany Erin and her mother to the State of the State address.
“Erin is such a deserving recipient of this recognition and it was great to see her be able to soak it all in,” he said. “Seeing how proud her mom was of her daughter and getting to share that experience with them is a once-in-a-career opportunity.
Erin is also likely to appear on an Instagram reel on the governor’s account, Williams said, as she recorded some videos that she is sending along to the governor’s office.
Erin’s achievement is a lesson in perseverance as this was the third time she entered the contest.
“I almost gave up halfway, but still kept trying,” she recalls. “This reminded me that determination and perseverance always pay off when you give it your best shot!”
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