Todd Christensen, executive director of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation Graysen Barrs, Nina Rizzo (standing in for Hayley Aker), Kaitlyn Hafley, Alison Saari, Nick Spencer, Shalissa Breeding and Lu Ellsworth, Heartwood Operations Manager
ABINGDON, Va. – Ten young photographers, representing schools all over Southwest Virginia's 19-county footprint, were recognized for their photos with an awards program at Heartwood: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Gateway. The contest was entitled "I Love Southwest Virginia" youth photo contest.
"We love having the opportunity to celebrate Southwest Virginia's unique culture and the talented young people who call our region home," said Heartwood Operations Manager Lu Ellsworth, who presented the awards with Todd Christensen, executive director of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation.
High School Winners:
First place – Luke Craig, Narrows
Second place – Hayley Aker, Chilhowie
Third place – Nick Spencer, Patrick County
Honorable mention: Shalissa Breeding (Lebanon), Alison Saari (Blacksburg), Graysen Barrs (Abingdon), Kaitlyn Hafley (Chilhowie)
Middle School Winners:
First place – Matthew Fritz, Damascus
Second place – Kierra Gertz, Northwood
Third place – Luisa Martinez, Rye Cove
"I think it's important that our students get recognized and encouraged in the arts," said Nina Rizzo, art teacher of the two winners from Chilhowie High School. "I appreciate that Heartwood is part of that encouragement."
