Today, UScellular announced the three winners of its 6th annual Black History Month Art Contest with Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield at a celebration at the club.
Public voting for the finalists’ art was available online, and the winning artists were awarded gift cards in the following amounts:
- Ayonna Cheek received $250 for 1st Place for the portrayal of Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Abby Henderson received $150 for 2nd Place for the portrayal of Mae Jemison
- Mariah E. received $100 for 3rd Place for the portrayal of George Washington Carver
In recognition of influential Black STEM icons, Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield members were encouraged to create original pieces of artwork of important historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators who have made vital contributions to the world of STEM.
Ten finalists were chosen by representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression and featured Marie M. Daly, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Mae Jemison, among others. Public voting for the finalists was made available online throughout the month of February. In addition, the finalists’ artwork was digitally displayed at the UScellular store at 2623 N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield.
“Working with Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield to celebrate Black History Month and to highlight the achievements of Black STEM icons such as Mae Jemison and George Washington Carver has been extremely gratifying,” said Mark Bennett, store manager for UScellular in Springfield. “The creativity that Club members displayed in their artwork was inspiring and we congratulate our participants and winners in this year’s contest.”
Since 2009, the company has donated more than $22.6 million along with countless experiences and technology items to nonprofit organizations across the country. Additionally, through its After School Access Project, UScellular has pledged up to $13 million in hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet in its markets. For more information about UScellular’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, please go to https://newsroom.uscellular.com/community/.
No Purchase Necessary. Entrants who are minors must have parental consent to participate in the Contest. Official Contest Rules, including full entry details and Finalist and Winner selection criteria/voting are available by email request to USCDLMediaRelations@uscellular.com.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has pledged to provide hotspots and service to help up to 50,000 youth connect to reliable internet. Additionally, UScellular has price protected all of its plans, promising not to increase prices through at least the end of 2024. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Club offers daily access to a broad range of programs in six core program areas: The Arts; Education; Workforce Readiness; Character & Leadership; Health & Wellness; and Sports & Recreation, giving the youth of our community the proper tools they need to become successful students and citizens is an important part of our mission. Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield provides program opportunities to over 13,000 local youth each year. Parents interested in having their children join the Club and learn more about its youth programs can contact the organization at 417.862.9249 or visit www.bgclubspringfield.org.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314)898-8116