Each year ICHV hosts the Student Voices Contest in an effort to give kids a public voice on the issue that affects them deeply. ICHV seeks to stimulate thought and discussion among Illinois students, and in turn amplify their statements and ideas in their writing and artwork in the public forum. By publicizing the winning works in the print media as well as among our members, supporters, and backers, ICHV spreads the word that children are still dying from guns at an unacceptable rate, and that all students are deeply affected by the climate of violence in our schools. After an initial round of screening judges have reviewed every submission, a select group of works get sent on to a panel of celebrity Blue Ribbon Judges. This esteemed panel that selects the Blue Ribbon Winners for the Contest every year. Winning students and winning schools are awarded prizes as a way of reinforcing and validating their message. Illinois youth are unable to vote and are largely the subject of public debate without being included in that debate. This contest is a way to address and promote their feelings and thoughts on gun violence.