Oakland County Treasurer Announces Financial Empowerment Arts Contest Winners

(Oakland County, May 27, 2025)

Pontiac, MI – Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg—in partnership with Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency—honored the winners and honorable mentions of the 2025 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest during a private awards reception at Flagstar Bank Headquarters in Troy, Mich.

This year’s contest welcomed 134 submissions from 21 public high schools across Oakland County, including four new participating schools. Student artists were invited to submit original work that reflected the theme of financial empowerment through drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, video and illustration.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners and to every student who participated in the contest,” said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. “The submissions were thoughtful and reflected a wide range of voices and creative approaches. The clarity demonstrated in expressing financial empowerment was incredible. We also thank the teachers and advisors who encouraged and guided their students throughout the process. And we’re grateful to Flagstar Bank, Oakland Schools and OLHSA for their continued partnership and supporting educational opportunities beyond the classroom.”

Winning entries were selected based on creativity, artistic execution, and how effectively each piece communicated key financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and planning for the future.

“What we’re really celebrating today isn’t just artistic talent—it’s potential,” said Beth Correa, EVP, Director for Corporate Responsibility, Flagstar Bank. “These students have expressed themselves with creativity and courage, and that deserves recognition. At Flagstar, we believe in opening doors—for learning, for self-expression, and for financial empowerment. To the students who shared their work with us: thank you. Your voices matter, and your future is bright. We’re proud to support your journey.”

“I am incredibly proud of our students for using their creativity to explore such an important life skill—financial literacy,” said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. “Through art, they brought complex concepts like saving, budgeting, and financial decision-making to life in thoughtful, powerful ways. Congratulations to all participants and winners from our public schools—your voices and visions truly inspire.”

The winners and honorable mentions will receive cash prizes from a $10,000 contest fund provided by Flagstar Bank. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office and featured online with all student entries.