COMMUNITY ACHIEVERS
Poetry competition
Ashlyn Sears, a high school student from Bethany, has won the title of 2022 Poetry Out Loud Oklahoma State Champion.
Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Arts Council recently hosted the state finals for the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest.
Sears received an award of $200 and will compete in the Poetry Out Loud national semifinals in May. In addition, Sears’ school received a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials.
Honor Plumlee, a high school student from Union High School in Tulsa, was runner-up and received $100, with $200 for their school. Rounding out the top-five students were Abigail Grimes,
Lawton High School; Tylan Hamilton,
Putnam City North High School; and
Hadlee Smith, Walters High School.
Art contest
USCellular has announced three winners of its third annual Black History Month Art Contest with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County.
Public voting for the finalists’ art was available online, and the winning artists were awarded gift cards. Winners included Makaio Robinson, 10, first place, $250; Landon Robinson, 13, second place, $150; and Malaila Robinson, 9, third place, $100.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County members were encouraged to create their original pieces of artwork in recognition of influential Black STEM icons, including historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators. Ten finalists were chosen by representatives from the Boys & Girls Club based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression. Public voting for the finalists was made available online throughout the month of February. In addition, the finalists’ artwork was digitally displayed in select stores.
To be considered for this column, please email achievement announcements and photos to LLynn@Oklahoman.com.