Ben Ferencz Writing and Creative Expression Student Competition

After the war, he served as a Chief Prosecutor during the Nuremberg Trials. He sought to establish legal precedents for a more humane and peaceful world. In later years, Ferencz became a human rights activist, helped to create the Claims Conference, and worked to establish the International Criminal Court.

Benjamin Ferencz (1920 – 2023) was a former prosecutor at the Nuremburg War Crimes Trial. Born in Transylvania, he and his family emigrated to Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, when he was ten months old. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1943, he enlisted in the army, fought in France under General Patton, and was transferred to the War Crimes Branch of the army.

A former Pace University Professor and longtime Westchester County resident, Ben Ferencz serves as a role model to us all.

Middle School Winners 2026

Local Schools

Creative Expression

Stella

Felix Festa Middle School, New City

 Radiance in the Dark - The Legacy of Hannah Szenes and Ben Ferencz

First Place

 German International School of New York - White Plains

  Environmentalism as a Human Right & How Art Can Help Raise Awareness

  and Inspire People to Make Change

Second Place

Madeleine

Georg

Paula

Katharina

National Schools Competition

Berry Melvin

Rotolo Middle School - Illinois

First Place

 Holocaust Memorial

Parker Tran

Rotolo Middle School - Illinois

Second Place

Grace Chin

Rotolo Middle School - Illinois

Third Place

Eliana Farooq

Rotolo Middle School - Illinois

Genocide Memorial

Honorable Mention

Middle School Winners 2026

Local Schools

Writing Competition

Erza Hamzaj

 Copper Beech Middle School, Lakeland SD

  "Cycle of Terror"

First Place

Writing Competition

2025 High School Winners

First Place

Noah Brümme – German International School New York

Second Place

Sky Corradino – Brewster High School

Third Place

Hannah Gubitz – Rye Neck High School

Creative Expression

Writing Competition - Middle School Winners

First Place
Andrew Moreland - Rye Middle School

Second Place
Jonah Seitz - Farragut Middle School