DA gives cash awards to “Justice for All” high school art contest winners, theme was fighting cybercrime.

For release on May 13, 2025

CONTACT:
Terry Harman
Assistant District Attorney
(408) 792-2826
[email protected]

DA gives cash awards to “Justice for All” high school art contest winners,
theme was fighting cybercrime.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office awarded $3,000 in prizes to three Gilroy high school artists for their artwork warning the public about smartphone cybercrime.

This year’s “Justice for All” Award Poster Contest asked students to illustrate ways to raise awareness about online crimes such as catfishing, scams, and cyberbullying. Funding for the prizes comes from DA’s Asset Forfeiture funds, money seized from drug dealers and other criminals. All three of the winners came from Gilroy high schools, two of them from Christopher High.                                                   

“We need to be aware of the dangers surrounding technology and smartphones,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “These talented young people are bringing awareness to our community with their artwork, which can help us to save lives. Because of their creativity, more people will ‘think before they click.’”

Assistant District Attorney Terry Harman hosted a ceremony at the Neon Exchange in downtown Gilroy and presented the winners with their prize checks. 

Austin Abero, a senior at Christopher High School, received $1,500 for first place. Nataley Ramos, a fellow senior at Christopher High School, took second place and received $1,000. Third-place winner Maya Sanchez, a junior at Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy, received $500. 

“I wanted to create something with juxtaposition,” Abero said of his winning poster. He is thinking about studying digital design or something art-related in college.

The Neon Exchange, which houses the DA’s Mariposas Resiliency Center for victims of violent crime, also played host to an art show that highlighted all 36 student art pieces during the award ceremony. The works of 16 Gilroy students were displayed on easels.

The annual art contest is open to all Santa Clara County high school students. All non-winning entrants receive a Starbucks gift card. Previous topics included drug abuse, school shootings, and honoring the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.       

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