CHARLOTTE — Several Charlotte Catholic High School students were recently awarded awards for their entries in the Mid-Carolina Region of the Scholastic Art and Writing competition.
Titi Ekunsanmi won a Gold Key Award for her acrylic painting titled “Ocular Carcinoma.” It is on display at Spirit Square in downtown Charlotte.
She was recognized during the Gold Key Award ceremony at Spirit Square Feb. 8, and her work is advancing to the National Competition in New York City.
Also, her drawing, “Land of the Free,” received an Honorable Mention. Amanda Dowd and Carrie-Anne Rogers earned Silver Key Awards.
Dowd’s photograph, “Gazing through the Veil,” and Rogers’ drawing, “Chaotic Good,” went on display at the down-town Mint Museum Feb. 8.
Telfair Epperson, Peyton Hall and Caroline Jones earned Honorable Mentions for their photographs, respectively, “In-to the Dark,” “Cbury Adventures” and “Ever Since New York.” More than 2,000 entries were submitted within the Mid-Carolina region, which includes Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union, Wilkes and Yadkin counties. Public, private, and parochial schools in these counties were eligible to enter the competition.
“The CCHS Visual Arts students and teachers continue to impress me with their talent,” said Dr. Maria Leahy, assistant principal. “Whether I am observing a class or attending the CCHS art show, I am always amazed by the creativity, talent, and skill level of our students. They use a variety of mediums to produce such unique and sophisticated pieces of art.”
The award-winning work of these students and more currently is on display in the main hallway at CCHS.
— Photos provided by Carolyn Kramer Tillman
GREENSBORO — Middle school religion classes at St. Pius X School have been busy.
Not only have students been learning so many critical points about their Christian and Catholic faith, but they have also been learning to become teachers of their faith.
On Fridays, religion teacher Bill Parker encourages students to step away from their textbooks and note taking to put stewardship in action.
He likes to call these classes “Friday Retreats.” During these retreats, middle school students get to prepare a project to share with younger classes about what they are learning.
For example, eighth-grade students presented a lesson on St. Francis Oct. 4 to preschool students. Eighth-graders used their previous Friday Retreat days to create games, songs and crafts that would help younger students learn all about this beloved saint on his feast day.
The encounter was a huge success. Middle schoolers learned the value and reward of being able to share their faith in a meaningful way. Parker hopes to involve more of his classes in these real-world stewardship opportunities as the year progresses.
— April Parker