Last week, U.S. Cellular and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley announced the winners of the Black History Month Art contest at a special ceremony at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Northwest Middle School location. The contest, which is in its first year in Tennessee, is designed to honor influential African-Americans and inspire students’ creativity and knowledge of these heroes.

The winners are:

First Place – Caleah Flemmings

Second Place – Noah Jones

Third Place – Erica Cooper

“Our store associates in Knoxville loved sharing the artwork with our customers and other community members that came in to vote,” said Nathan Waddell, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “This contest is a wonderful way to praise the rich history of culture and diversity here in East Tennessee and across our country.”

Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley were invited to select an influential African-American and develop his or her likeness into an original 8.5-inch by 11-inch portrait using any art medium. The top 10 finalists were chosen by a panel of judges. The finalists’ entries were on display at area U.S. Cellular stores in Knoxville, where the public voted for their favorites during the month of February:

”U.S. Cellular is a tremendous partner for our organization that allows us to offer programs like this that promote opportunities for children to learn about history and become engaged in the learning process at the same time,” said Scott Bacon, chief development officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “We appreciate U.S. Cellular’s support of our kids and community.”