A Tribute
A Tribute
Susie Salomon was a dear friend and former Board member, and was a joyful and passionate advocate for our mission.
She had a special love for art, particularly student art, and was always delighted by the stories and creativity behind each piece.
The Susie Salomon Visionary Award was established in 2023. We will always remember her for her kindness, love, humor, vision, and unwavering support.
To donate in Susie’s honor, click here.
The Award
The Award
This award is given annually to one of our Global Voices-ArtLink educators who has made extraordinary efforts to bring global understanding to their students and community along with their overseas partners, providing excellence in leadership, inspiration, and vision.
Someone who truly reflects the spirit of this award and the values Susie Salomon championed. This award comes with a $250 prize.
Announcing the 2026 Honoree!
Announcing the 2026 Honoree!
The 2026 award goes to Marcella Ardine of North Branford Intermediate School in Connecticut, USA!
Marcella embodies the spirit of this award and the vision that Susie Salomon championed! We are extremely grateful for the impact Marcella has made on her students, her school community, and her partner Global Voices-ArtLink educators around the world.
Congratulations to Marcella on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to celebrate her and all that she brings to Creative Connections and the Global Voices-ArtLink Program.
2026 Award Winner
Marcella Ardine, USA
2025 Honoree
2025 Honoree
The 2025 award goes to Ms. Lina Kamal Qashou of Khelda Secondary School in Jordan. Ms. Lina exemplifies the spirit of this award in every connection she builds.
Since joining our program in 2015, Ms. Lina has been an integral and inspiring educator, a guiding light whose passion radiates through every connection she builds. She brings energy, deep compassion, and a profound respect for cultural identity. She transforms classrooms in spaces of curiosity, courage, and creativity. Through her dedication, Ms. Lina has created opportunities and facilitated meaningful global connections for more than 260 of her students to reach beyond borders.
Ms. Lina removes misunderstanding and fear, replacing them with empathy, shared experience, and hope. Through her tireless efforts, she breaks down stereotypes, promotes mutual understanding, and cultivates a spirit of global citizenship. In addition to her work with students, she has served as a mentor and guide to fellow educators entering the Global Voices — ArtLink Program, offering them both leadership and support.
2025 Award Winner
Ms. Lina Kamal Qashou, Jordan
2024 Honoree
2024 Honoree
The 2024 award goes to Kyra Litschauer of Woodstock Middle School. Since 2018, she has been an exceptional partner educator, working with Creative Connections to bring the Global Voices-ArtLink program to 18 seventh-grade classes. She has inspired students to share their stories through insightful art and thoughtful dialogue with their peers in Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil and Ukraine. The experience started them on a transformative journey towards empathetic global citizenship.
2024 Award Winner
Kyra Litschauer, USA
2023 First Honoree
2023 First Honoree
The first recipient of this award is an esteemed Global Voices-Artlink teacher, Mr. Frank Katoola from Tender Talents School in Kasangati, Uganda. He is the founder of The Tender Talents School, and he is dedicated to creating a place where students can find and nurture their creative selves. Using the arts to help children heal, and to find a place to belong. The school’s goals statement says it all: “Fostering Success and Empowering Students to Achieve Their Dreams.” Frank inspires everyone he meets, including the many USA educators and their students who have had the joy of connecting with him and his creative Tender Talents’ students.