Embracing Our Differences has announced the winners of its 2026 “People’s Choice” awards, selected by visitors to this year’s outdoor exhibitions in Sarasota and St. Petersburg. A total of 1,158 visitors completed surveys and voted for their favorite artwork and quotation from among the thought-provoking works displayed throughout the exhibitions. The selected artwork and quotation were each honored with $2,000 awards. The “People’s Choice” artwork award was presented to “Young Eyes” by Elise Roundtree, an 11th-grade student at Lake Howell High School in Apopka, Florida. The artwork captures a moment of curiosity and connection between two children, set against a backdrop of adult tension and division; a contrast that deeply resonated with exhibition visitors. The “People’s Choice” quotation award was presented to Minh Le, an 8th-grade student at Pine View School in Osprey, for the quotation: “Getting older may seem terrifying, but only the luckiest people get to experience it.” Minh’s teacher is Wendy Hazlett.