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.
On Friday, Sept. 6, 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 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,” said Athens Arts League Board Member Diane Lehr, who
helped organize the contest and exhibit.
Prior to 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
o Marleigh Gilbert, first place, homeschool
o Elijah Stockman, second place, homeschool
o Reese Elmore, third place, homeschool
Ages 7-9
o Willa Gibson, first place, Athens Elementary
o Camiyah Green, second place, Julian Newman Elementary
o Xavien Bryant, third place, Cowart Elementary
Ages 10-12
o Connor Dowd, first place, homeschool
o Trinitee Jones, second place, Boys and Girls Club
o Connor Guirmarin, third place, Boys and Girls Club
Most Creative
o Alice Gilbert, Athens Elementary
103 W. Washington Street
Athens, AL 35611
256-262-9022
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. The public is welcome to view the Hero Up! Exhibit during
public hours. High Cotton Art is located at 103 W. Washington St. For hours and info, go to
www.highcottonarts.com.
