ATHENS — Students who found ways to express how they can be heroes when they raise awareness and help fight childhood cancer won gift cards and supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Athens Arts League sought student submissions for the Hero Up! Art Contest and Exhibit in honor of September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The students created pieces that showed ways they can be heroes in the fight, such as becoming doctors, becoming nurses and fighting cancer themselves.
Last Friday during Art After Hours, students who placed first through third in their age categories received gift cards to Michael’s, and for those who won, Athens Arts League donated $25 each to St. Jude in their honor.Â
“It was a joy to see the smile on the children’s faces as they brought their families and teachers to High Cotton Arts to see their art pieces on display,” said Athens Arts League Board Member Diane Lehr, who helped organize the contest and exhibit.
Before the Art After Hours concert, Lehr, Board Member Gail Bergeron and Mayor Ronnie Marks presented the winning students with their certificates and gift cards.
Winners by age category:
- Ages 5-6
- Marleigh Gilbert, first place, homeschool
- Elijah Stockman, second place, homeschool
- Reese Elmore, third place, homeschool
- Ages 7-9
- Willa Gibson, first place, Athens Elementary
- Camiyah Green, second place, Julian Newman Elementary
- Xavien Bryant, third place, Cowart Elementary
- Ages 10-12
- Connor Dowd, first place, homeschool
- Trinitee Jones, second place, Boys and Girls Club
- Connor Guirmarin, third place, Boys and Girls ClubÂ
- Most Creative
- Alice Gilbert, Athens ElementaryÂ
The entries are on display at High Cotton Arts throughout the month. Winning entries are in the front display window, and the other entries are in a studio. The public is welcome to view the exhibit during public hours.
High Cotton Art is at 103 W. Washington St. For hours and info, visit www.highcottonarts.com.
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