Several local students who found some fun and creative ways to express how they can be heroes, while raising awareness to help fight childhood cancer, recently won both gift cards and support for 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.
Students created pieces of art that showed ways they can be heroes in the fight against cancer, such as becoming doctors, becoming nurses and fighting cancer themselves as superheroes.
On Friday, Sept. 6, during the Art After Hours free concert on Washington Street, students who placed first through third in their age categories received gift cards to Michael’s. For those who won first place, Athens Arts League donated $25 each to St. Jude in their honor.
“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,” Athens Arts League Board Member Diane Lehr, who helped organize the contest and exhibit, said.
Prior to the Art After Hours concert, Lehr, board member Gail Bergeron and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks presented the winning students with their certificates and gift cards.
Winners by age categoryAges 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 Club.
Most Creative— Alice Gilbert, Athens Elementary.
All entries are on display at High Cotton Arts this month. Winning entries are in the front display window, and the other entries are in a studio.
High Cotton Art is located at 103 W. Washington St. For hours and more information, visit www.highcottonarts.com.