Detroit Auto Show Announces Winners of 2026 High School Poster Contest

The Detroit Auto Show today announced the winners of its 2026 High School Poster Contest, a statewide competition designed to spotlight the next generation of creative talent and celebrate the intersection of art, design, and mobility.

Open to high school students across Michigan, the contest invited young artists to submit original poster designs inspired by the Detroit Auto Show and the future of the automotive industry. The winning artwork reflects a wide range of perspectives, creativity, and technical skill, reinforcing Detroit's role as both the automotive capital of the world and a hub for design innovation. The Detroit Auto Show received 208 entries from 47 high schools.

The winners will be formally recognized during a special on-stage ceremony at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show on Sunday, January 18, at Huntington Place.

2026 Detroit Auto Show Poster Contest Winners

Grand Prize Winner

• Dylan Duguay, Loy Norrix High School (12th grade)

Sponsor Prize Winner

• Bella Dalton, Livonia Career Technical Center (12th grade)

Grade-Level Winners

• 12th Grade: Sadie Laarman, Zeeland East High School
• 11th Grade: Zoey Renaud, Livonia Career Technical Center
• 10th Grade: Ellie Rupert, Rochester High School
• 9th Grade: Aasenat Rahmati, Universal Learning Academy

Finalists

• Arabella Vachon, Utica Center for Science and Industry
• Charlotte Bergen, Rochester High School
• Hazel Baushke, Chelsea High School
• Jared She, Bloomfield Hills High School
• Jason Goossen, Grosse Pointe North High School
• Kiran Dixon, Michael Berry Career Center
• Kirsten Green, Cass Technical High School
• Kylie Pfeifer, Livonia Career Technical Center
• Mercedes Hertz, Center Line High School
• Silas Mowers, Royal Oak High School

Industry-Leading Panel of Judges

Submissions were evaluated by a distinguished panel of automotive and design professionals, including:

• Deven Row, Senior Exterior Designer, Scout
• Chris Stevens, Lead Exterior Designer, Ford
• Emily Klaudt, Creative Designer, General Motors
• Ren Stone, Manager of Advanced Design, Stellantis North America
• Jova Lynne, Artistic Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
• Ali Moosavi, Product Expert, Vizcom

Judges assessed entries based on creativity, originality, visual impact, and relevance to the Detroit Auto Show and automotive design.

"The Detroit Auto Show has always been about more than cars - it's about creativity, innovation, and the people who will shape what comes next," said Sam Klemet, Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show. "This poster contest gives young artists a platform to share their voice, their vision, and their connection to Detroit's design and mobility legacy. The talent we saw in these submissions is incredible."

The Grand Prize-winning poster will be prominently featured at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show, with select designs displayed throughout the event.

For full contest details and to view the winning artwork, visit:
detroitautoshow.com/poster-contest/. For additional Detroit Auto Show information, visit DetroitAutoShow.com.

About the Detroit Auto Show

Recognized as one of the world's most influential automotive events, the Detroit Auto Show offers a platform for cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations. With immersive experiences, brand-defining vehicles, and hands-on activations, the show invites attendees to experience the future of mobility and the heart of Detroit's creative energy.

2026 Detroit Auto Show Highlights

The Gallery Fundraiser: Tuesday, Jan. 13
Media & Industry Days: Wednesday-Thursday, Jan. 14-15
Mobility Global Forum: Wednesday-Thursday, Jan. 14-15
Future Leaders Program (University Student Access & Career Pathways): Thursday, Jan. 15
Charity Preview: Friday, Jan. 16
Public Show: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 17-25
Racing Day presented by the Detroit Grand Prix: Tuesday, Jan. 20
Future Leaders Program (High School Student Access & Career Pathways): Wednesday-Thursday, Jan. 21-22

Press Contacts:

Heather George - Detroit Auto Show,[email protected]