PORTLAND, Maine — The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine is buzzing with excitement as voting commences for its seventh annual Black History Month Art Contest.
Children ages 6 to 18 have used their creativity to draw portraits of individuals who have made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The stakes are high, with serious prize money up for grabs.
Among the top 10 selected participants is sixth grader Sasha Silvestre, whose artwork features Valerie Thomas, an African American data scientist who serves as an inspiration.
"Black History Month is one of the best things because I'm [in] on it, of course, and it helps Black people express themselves," Silvestre said.
"Allowing them to do this art competition allows them to learn about themselves and Black leaders who came before them in the STEM areas," Anthony Martin, program coordinator at Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine, said.
The competition has now narrowed down to the top 10 online, and the three artists with the most votes will receive Visa gift cards, ranging from $250 for first place to $100 for third.
"Just seeing the excitement on their faces... it brings a lot of joy, not just to the child but to the overall family," Evan Travers, U.S. Cellular store manager, said.
The art contest not only celebrates the artistic talents of these young individuals but also provides tangible benefits.
The prize money can make a difference, as said by Travers: "I remember one of the years a kid said to me, 'This is great, we are going to be able to buy a bunch of groceries or we can do an extra outing to a restaurant.'"
Silvestre, if among the final three winners, plans to use the prize money to invest in her passion for art.
"I'll be smiling so much," she exclaimed. "I love when I do something I'm proud of, and I know that I got myself there and won an award for it. I'm just amazed if I ever won."
Voting for the Black History Month Art Contest is free and open to the public on the U.S. Cellular website until the end of the month. To vote you can click here.