#United States #Moncks Corner #Home Telecom #Berkeley County #Art Contest

Home Telecom Celebrates Berkeley County Art Contest

Home Telecom recently revealed the winners of the 2026 Berkeley County School District Art Contest, a significant event that highlights the artistic talents of local students. This year's contest is particularly special, as the overall winning artwork will be displayed on a billboard, marking a historic first for the competition.

The first-place winner is Sophia Ligon, a talented senior at Philip Simmons High School, whose artwork titled "The Common Table" will make its debut on a local billboard, allowing the broader community to appreciate this expression of creativity. "Peace"ful Day at the Beach with Friends by Bella Ramos from Marrington Middle School earned second place, while Arya Ekrall, a 10-year-old from Howe Hall Aims Elementary School, took home third place with her colorful piece titled Life More Colorful with Technology.

Cassandra Cowdrey, the Visual and Performing Arts coordinator for Berkeley County School District, expressed gratitude for the contest, saying it provides students not only a platform to showcase their talents but also meaningful opportunities to be recognized for their creativity and hard work. Cowdrey added that the submissions this year displayed an exceptional level of artistry and thoughtfulness.

The BCSD Art Contest is just one of the many initiatives supported by Home Telecom aimed at enhancing local education, specifically focusing on art education. Students were encouraged to represent local landscapes, events, technologies, or historical sites in their artwork. In addition to the recognition, the three winning art departments will receive monetary donations of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. This financial support aids schools in acquiring art materials and resources.

Home Telecom's Vice President of Marketing, Gina Shuler, congratulated Sophia for her remarkable achievement and recognized her art teacher, Paige Duvall, for fostering her artistic skills. Shuler stated that Sophia's work is a beautiful introduction to Berkeley County, showcasing elements that genuinely reflect the region's character.

In its commitment to supporting education, Home Telecom has contributed nearly $70,000 over the past 12 years to participating art departments within the Berkeley County school system.

Winners by Category

Elementary Schools
1st Place: Arya Ekrall, Howe Hall Aims Elementary School for "Life More Colorful with Technology"
2nd Place: Lilian Cabiella, Hanahan Elementary School for "Evening with My Best Friend"
3rd Place: Owen Atkins, Daniel Island School for "The Perfect Pic at Cypress Gardens"

Middle Schools
1st Place: Bella Ramos, Marrington Middle School of the Arts for "Peace"ful Day at the Beach"
2nd Place: Ella Kate Crawford, Carolyn Lewis Middle School for "Photographing Pineville Chapel"
3rd Place: Delaney Beane, Cane Bay Middle School for "Lullaby of the Woodland Meadow"

High Schools
1st Place: Sophia Ligon, Philip Simmons High School for "The Common Table"
2nd Place: Ebelin Martinez-Hernandez, Berkeley High School for "The Jeffries Lock (aka The Tailrace Canal Lock)"
3rd Place: Olivia Gondolfo, Timberland High School for "Anoles Kudzu".

About Home Telecom

Home Telecom is a leading communications provider based in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. With a history that spans 122 years, it offers a range of services, including high-speed multi-gig internet and VoIP, relying on advanced fiber technology to ensure optimal connectivity. Their commitment to the local community is evident through initiatives like the art contest, aiming to inspire creativity and educational support in the region.