PRESS RELEASE

Justice Department Recognizes Los Angeles 5^TH Grader as Winner of the 2022 National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest

      WASHINGTON — The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, proclaimed Sue Lee, a 5^th grader at St. James Episcopal School in Los Angeles, California, the 2022 National Missing Children’s Day poster contest winner.  This announcement was made as part of the 39^th annual National Missing Children’s Day commemoration.

      “Miss Lee’s creative and colorful image evokes the spirit of unity and compassion that underlies Missing Children’s Day,” said Amy L. Solomon, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of OJP.  “Her poster sends a powerful message of inclusion, reminds us of the dignity and humanity of all people and reflects the broad concern of all Americans for the safety and well-being of our children.”

      The National Missing Children’s Day poster contest is held annually to engage children in discussions about safety in their surroundings.  Students across the United States enter artwork depicting the theme of the event.  This year, more than 1,300 submissions were received from 24 states.

      Miss Lee, 10, drew an image of two hands, one white and one Black, holding a bright pink heart next to a missing child poster of an Asian child standing in front of their home.

      “In my artwork, different races and communities work together for a common goal to find a missing child,” Lee wrote.  “While working together to find a missing child, I hope they realize that any child deserves rescuing.”

      “I am amazed by how poignantly this young person captured the theme of our commemoration, Bringing Our Missing Children Home,” said Liz Ryan, Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.  “Miss Lee has a lovely artistic touch that she has used to convey a powerful and important message.  Her remarkable talent and precocious civic-mindedness have earned her this honor.”

      The Department also recognized four members of the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children task force and an Assistant U.S. Attorney of the Western District of Wisconsin; five special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service headquarters and field offices; and an assistant special agent in charge and intelligence analyst from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in Nashville for their efforts to prevent child sexual exploitation and bring missing children home.

      Every year on May 25, OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention leads the nation in observing National Missing Children’s Day, first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.  This day shines a spotlight on child safety and honors the professionals dedicated to protecting children around the country.

      In lieu of an in-person ceremony, OJJDP is launching a website today featuring information about the awardees and statements from OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Solomon, OJJDP Administrator Ryan and President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Michelle DeLaune.

      The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and strengthen the criminal and juvenile justice systems.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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OFFICE:  ojjdp.ojp.gov
CONTACT:  Sheila Jerusalem at 202-598-0793 or Sheila.Jerusalem@ojp.usdoj.gov