City of Milwaukee officials recognized Haysham Shamshu Alam, a senior at Bay View High School, on Feb. 4 at Milwaukee City Hall as one of the winners of the city’s 2026 “I Voted Early” sticker design contest. Alam was in Washington, D.C. at the time, and his art teacher, Lamyra Renier, accepted the award on his behalf from Mayor Cavalier Johnson, a Bay View alumnus. The recognition highlighted student creativity and civic engagement across Milwaukee Public Schools.

Alam’s design was selected from more than 400 submissions received by the Milwaukee Election Commission. After narrowing the field to 16 finalists, the commission opened voting to the public to determine the winners.

Renier said the moment she learned Alam had won was emotional and rewarding. “When I found out Haysham’s design won in the high school category, I literally jumped out of my chair with excitement,” said Renier, art teacher at Bay View. “I’m proud of Haysham for his dedication to art and the time he spends creating interesting and fun projects. He is an excellent representative for the BVHS Arts program.”

Alam said his design reflects both Wisconsin culture and his own playful artistic style. “The vibe of my design is ‘goofy,’” Alam said. “When I designed my sticker, the first symbol that came to mind was cheese. So, I combined cheese with the beach to come up with the cow in the sun chair made out of cheese drinking milk.”

Renier said seeing Alam’s artwork publicly revealed and professionally displayed was a powerful moment for both teacher and student. “The reveal of Haysham’s art during the news conference was the first tangible proof of his success, and it looked even better than I could imagine,” Renier said. “Seeing his and the other students’ artwork printed, framed, and in sticker form made me proud of our students and what they do.”

She added that the experience reflects her teaching philosophy of encouraging creativity and effort in the classroom. “My goal is for all students to attempt artmaking. I don’t want them to stress about being ‘good,’” Renier said. “Putting yourself out there, and taking the opportunity to try something new, exercises and strengthens the creative thinking and problem-solving parts of your brain that help in all aspects of life.”

Renier said nearly every student in her classes submitted a design, which she considers a success regardless of the outcome. “To me, seeing everybody try to create something is success,” Renier said. “Students advancing to the voting portion of the competition and winning is only the cherry on top.”

Alam said he hopes the design inspires civic pride and reflects the community he represents. “When people wear my sticker, I want them to feel proud to be Wisconsin citizens and proud to be citizens of the city of Milwaukee,” Alam said.

Renier also helped coordinate the moment when Alam received the news directly from the mayor, which she described as both stressful and meaningful. “It was a little stressful setting up Haysham’s phone call with the mayor,” Renier said. “I could tell Haysham was nervous, but I think he was perfect, professional, and proud. Haysham told me that he had never won anything before, so getting to see him accomplish something so big and receive personal commendation from the mayor was special.”

Alam will turn 18 in time to vote in the November election, allowing him to receive the sticker he designed when he casts his first ballot. When asked where he would place the sticker, Alam responded with humor. “I might put my own sticker on my forehead as it is the flattest area that I know people will see,” Alam said.

The November election for governor of Wisconsin could include candidates with ties to Milwaukee schools and Bay View. David Crowley, a graduate of Bay View High School, and Mandela Barnes, a graduate of Marshall High School, are among those with local connections. Alam said he looks forward to participating in the democratic process and receiving his own sticker when he votes.

His design will be distributed at early voting locations throughout Milwaukee this fall, allowing voters to wear artwork created by a local student. For Alam and his teacher, the honor represents both creative achievement and the impact of student voice in civic life.