Jayden B.
took home the top prize in the "People's Champ" category of the 15th annual Expressions by Walgreens creative arts contest with his essay "To You, My Mental Pet."
The 17-year-old from Dekalb School of the Arts in Denton, Texas, beat out 9,000 other students from around the country to take the top prize in the visual arts, spoken word, and creative writing categories, reports People.
The essay, which focused on the topic of mental health, was inspired by a friend's struggle with depression, per a press release.
B.
also won a $1,000 prize and a trip to New York to compete in the national finals in September.
Other winners included Caryn G., who took the top prize in the children's category with her "Show Us What You Have," and Emma S., who won the "People's Champ" title with her "The Statement."
The top three in each category will advance to the national finals in September, where they will compete against students from around the country for more than $25,000 in prize money.
"It warms our hearts that our 15th Anniversary year of Expressions by Walgreens has been such a banner year," says Ale Jackson, Inclusion Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance.
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