Stratford High School Senior’s The Verdant Beauty of Cypress featured on Directory cover
The Verdant Beauty of Cypress, drawn by Stratford High School senior Ash Trespicio, will grace the cover of the annual Home Telecom Directory this year after winning first place in the 2024 Home Telecom Directory Art Challenge competition.
In its 10th year, the challenge is one of Home Telecom’s ongoing education outreach programs directed at art departments across the Berkeley County School District. Students compete for the best artistic depiction of low country scenes, historical locations, or local events.
While Ash’s first place showing earns the cover spot, Home Telecom also recognized Hanahan Elementary School 5th grader, Rahma Rezk’s playful Bob-Catnapping as the second-place winner. Eighth grader Addison Till from Cane Bay Middle School took third place with her Moonlight Wake.
“The ‘challenge’ is more on us, really, to choose the best from so many incredibly fanciful submissions and from so many talented young artists in our community,” said Gina Shuler, Vice President of Marketing at Home Telecom. “Our Berkeley County art students have an eye for local beauty and a flair for capturing a moment in time, making it a daunting task to choose one winner.”
Shuler said kudos go to the art teachers and educators across Berkeley County as well, for encouraging their students to participate in the contest every year.
Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for Berkeley County School District, Cassandra Cowdrey said the artwork submissions are exceedingly beautiful.
“They impress me every single year with the talent that is presented by the schools,” Cowdrey said. “The students and teachers work so hard, and their passion truly shines through the artwork sent in.”
Cowdrey continues, “I am proud of all the teachers and students for their dedication, handwork and talent. Visual Arts in Berkeley County is always outstanding, and I am so thankful for the teachers who share their deep knowledge and skill with the students. Students are enriched by such an award-winning experience in visual art!”
Over the 10 years this contest has been in place, Home Telecom has awarded more than $57,000 in cash to participating art departments in the Berkeley County school system. In fact, each year, three schools receive $1,000 each in funding for placing first place in each category.
We’d also like to extend our congratulations to the individuals who placed 2nd and 3rd from high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and those who earned recognition as honorable mentions.