UScellular recently announced the three winners of its third annual Black History Month Art Contest with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley.
The winning artists, who received gift cards, are:
- Laila Newman, age 10, received $250 for first place for Garrett Morgan artwork. She is a Davenport fifth grader.
- Ariel Trice Taylor, age 12, won $150 for second place for Dr. Stephon Alexander art. She is a Davenport seventh grader.
- Gloria Fagla, age 7, earned $100 for third place for Zora Neale Hurston art. She is a Davenport second grader.
This year, UScellular introduced a new element to the contest. Boys & Girls Clubs members were encouraged to create their original pieces of artwork in recognition of influential Black STEM icons including historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators.
The 10 finalists were chosen by Club representatives based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression. Public voting for the finalists was available online throughout February. In addition, the finalists’ artwork was digitally displayed at UScellular’s Davenport Kimberly retail store. Nearly 135 votes were cast.
“It was amazing to see the creativity and wide range of inspirations the Club members used to create their art,” said Christine Riddell, UScellular’s Moline store manager. “We’re thrilled to be able to team with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley to celebrate Black History Month and to highlight the STEM achievements of these Black icons. We extend our appreciation for all the submissions and congratulate our winners.”
For more information about UScellular’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, visit here.