Home Telecom Celebrates Local Student Talent
Home Telecom is thrilled to share the winners of the annual Berkeley County School District Art Contest. This year's event marks a significant milestone as the top artwork will be showcased on a local billboard, a first in the contest's history. The contest aims to recognize outstanding artistic achievements among students across different age groups.
An Artistic Showcase for Students
The Berkeley County School District Art Contest showcases the creativity of students from elementary to high school. In 2026, the competition recognized winners from various grade levels, promoting not only artistic expression but also community involvement in the arts.
First Place Winner: Sophia Ligon
The top award went to Sophia Ligon, a talented senior from Philip Simmons High School. Her exceptional drawing, titled The Common Table, will be featured prominently on a billboard for all to see, highlighting the beauty of artistic expression within the community.
Runners-up Recognized
Bella Ramos from Marrington Middle School of the Arts secured second place with her vibrant piece "Peace"ful Day at the Beach with Friends. Arya Ekrall, a bright 10-year-old from Howe Hall Aims Elementary School, took third place with her imaginative work, Life More Colorful with Technology.
Building a Creative Community
The contest emphasizes the importance of arts education in schools. Cassandra Cowdrey, the Visual and Performing Arts coordinator for the district, expressed gratitude for this initiative, stating, "This art contest creates meaningful opportunities for our district and gives our students a platform to be seen, celebrated, and inspired." The contest not only fosters creativity among students but also supports art programs across Berkeley County.
Support from Home Telecom
Home Telecom has been a steadfast supporter of arts education, contributing $1,000 to the art departments of each of the three winning schools. Additionally, $500 is awarded to the second-place winners' art departments, and $250 to the third-place winners, ensuring that schools have the resources they need for their art programs. Honorable mentions also earn $100 for their respective art departments, encouraging a spirit of competition and excellence among students.
A Long-standing Commitment to Education
Gina Shuler, Vice President of Marketing at Home Telecom, extends her congratulations to the winners, especially Sophia. She acknowledges the crucial role that art teachers play in nurturing creative talent, specifically recognizing Sophia's art teacher, Paige Duvall, for her dedication and support in helping students flourish.
In the past 12 years, Home Telecom has contributed nearly $70,000 to local school art departments, a testament to its commitment to fostering creativity and artistic talent in the region.
Winners List Across Age Categories
The following is a breakdown of winners in each age category:
Elementary Schools:
1st Place: Arya Ekrall at Howe Hall Aims Elementary School for Life More Colorful with Technology
2nd Place: Lilian Cabiella at Hanahan Elementary School for Evening with My Best Friend
3rd Place: Owen Atkins at Daniel Island School for The Perfect Pic at Cypress Gardens
Middle Schools:
1st Place: Bella Ramos at Marrington Middle School of the Arts for "Peace"ful Day at the Beach
2nd Place: Ella Kate Crawford at Carolyn Lewis Middle School for Photographing Pineville Chapel
3rd Place: Delaney Beane at Cane Bay Middle School for Lullaby of the Woodland Meadow
High Schools:
1st Place: Sophia Ligon at Philip Simmons High School with The Common Table
2nd Place: Ebelin Martinez-Hernandez at Berkeley High School for The Jeffries Lock
3rd Place: Olivia Gondolfo at Timberland High School for Anoles & Kudzu
About Home Telecom
Home Telecom is a cutting-edge communications provider delivering high-speed internet and various digital services across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. Through its 122 years of operation, the company has positioned itself as a leader in broadband service, offering multi-gig internet and advanced telecommunications solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Berkeley County School District Art Contest?
The contest is an annual event that invites students to showcase their artistic talents across different grade levels.
Who won the first place in the recent contest?
Sophia Ligon from Philip Simmons High School won first place for her artwork, The Common Table.
What prizes do winners receive?
Winners receive cash awards for their school's art departments, with additional recognition for exceptional submissions.
How does Home Telecom support local education?
Home Telecom supports local education through financial contributions to schools, particularly targeting arts education.
Why is the billboard display important?
The billboard display helps celebrate student creativity and brings the community together through art.
