Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias revealed the winners of this year’s Organ & Tissue Donor Poster Contest. Katherine Bersnak, a 5th grader from St. Francis Xavier School in La Grange, claimed the top honor. Her winning artwork will appear in schools, libraries, and DMVs across Illinois, aiming to boost organ donor registrations. The contest, conducted during National Donate Life Month, saw over 500 creative entries from students statewide. Other category winners include Kyala Perez of Chicago, Faith Gregson of Red Bud, and Wren Grajewski of Carterville. Currently, nearly 6.5 million Illinoisans are registered as organ and tissue donors. Nearly 4,000 individuals are currently on the waiting list, and about 300 people die each year waiting for an organ transplant. One donor can save or improve up to 25 lives. To register to become an organ/tissue donor, visit ilsos.gov.
“As we highlight the importance of organ donation this month, it’s important to encourage and empower young people and provide them with the knowledge and tools to become advocates in their communities and amplify their voices for positive change,” Giannoulias said. “Congratulations to each of the winners and all the contest participants who remind us of simple actions we can take to inform Illinoisans and save lives. We’re proud to showcase their creative talents and promote their work.”
