AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) is proud to recognize Avanah May for earning Third Place in the 6–8-year-old Essay Category of the 2026 HAI Group Playground Safety Poster & Essay Contest. This year’s contest, themed “Safety Makes a Splash!”, encouraged children to use their creativity to promote playground safety through original essays and artwork.
For her outstanding achievement, Avanah received a $25 Walmart gift card from HAI Group. To celebrate her accomplishment and encourage her continued love of learning and creativity, AMHA also surprised her with a new tablet.

“We are incredibly proud of Avanah and the creativity, thoughtfulness, and heart she poured into her essay,” said Herman L. Hill, President and CEO of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. “Our young people have incredible potential, and this recognition is a reminder of what they can accomplish when they are encouraged to dream, create, and share their voices.”

At AMHA, investing in children and families is at the heart of our mission. Whether it’s participating in creative opportunities like the HAI Group Poster & Essay Contest, preparing children for kindergarten through our nationally recognized Early Childhood Initiative (ECI), or inspiring youth through educational and enrichment programming at the Reach Opportunity Center, AMHA is committed to creating opportunities for young learners to discover their talents, build confidence, and thrive.

“We believe every child deserves the chance to shine,” Hill added. “When we invest in our youth, we invest in stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a brighter future for our entire community.”

AMHA congratulates Avanah on this well-deserved recognition and applauds all of the young residents who participated in this year’s contest. Their creativity and commitment to promoting playground safety make our communities stronger and safer for everyone.

To learn more about AMHA’s youth programs, family services, and upcoming opportunities to get involved, follow the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority on social media or visit www.akronhousing.org.

Media Contact:
Amina Hall
Director of Communications and Philanthropy
ahall@akronhousing.org