Calendar Art and Poetry winners named

Kim Brumfield, Betty Griffin House Community Awareness Coordinator, announced the winners in their Children’s Art and Poetry Project.

Given the turbulent times we live in, offering children and young people a creative outlet to express their dreams for a peaceful world is more important than ever. Perhaps that is why this year brought a great number of art and poetry entries in Betty Griffin House’s annual “Day Without Violence” Calendar Art and Poetry Contest.

Out of 948 entries (868 art and 80 poems), the winners have been chosen from each category to have their entries published in the “2012 Day Without Violence Calendar”.

This year’s winning artists are: (1st place, cover) Cal Mccutcheon, Sebastian Middle School; (2nd place) Mason Redker, Fruit Cove Middle School ; 11 Honorable Mentions to: Naia Reyes, Ketterlinus Elementary; Natalie Goulett, Nease High School; Sophie Cunningham, Otis Mason Elementary School; Fay Jones, Southwoods Elementary School; Bryce Mashburn, Gamble Rogers Middle School; Meredith Giangaspro, Cunningham Creek Elementary School; Danilla Oliveria, Nease High School; Isabel Vazquez, Pacetti Bay Middle School; Maegan O’Brien, Cunningham Creek Elementary School; Katie Hunter, Durbin Creek Elementary School ; and, Corey Davis, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.

Winning poets are: (1st place) Kerri Davis, Cunningham Creek Elementary School; (2nd place) Sabrina Sanacore, Fruit Cove Middle School; and 10 Honorable Mentions to: Christopher Olchetree, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind; Kathryn Sands, Fruit Cove Middle School; Ross Minor; Florida School for the Deaf and Blind; Carley Phillips, Ketterlinus Elementary School; Savanna Kuhn, Hartley Elementary School; Devyn Fussman, Bartram Trail High School; Kjarstie Corry, Homeschool; Sierra Vidales, Cunningham Creek Elementary School; Ada Kokoshi, Nease High School; Sierra Hutchens, Fruit Cove Middle School.

These 25 students will receive cash prizes and will be honored with a special reception at the October 11, 2011 School Board meeting. The calendar will be distributed free to every classroom in St. Johns County, pending funding.

During the month of October, the top 100 art entries will be exhibited at Ponce de Leon Mall in St. Augustine.