UScellular announced the three winners of its eighth Annual Black History Month Art Contest with Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County. A celebration event was held at the local Goldsboro Club located at 1401 Royall Ave.

Public voting for the finalists’ art was available online, and the winning artists were awarded gift cards in the following amounts:

• · I’Najiah Eggleton received $250 for 1st Place
• · Harmony Bowden received $150 for 2nd Place
• · Melody Lococo received $100 for 3rd Place

This year, UScellular introduced an exciting new element to the contest. For the first time, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne 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 U.S. Cellular’s Goldsboro location at 803 N. Berkeley Blvd.

“It was amazing to see the creativity and wide range of inspirations the Club members here in Goldsboro used to create their art,” said Brett Lancaster, Goldsboro store manager at UScellular. “We’re thrilled to be able to team with Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County to celebrate Black History Month and to highlight the STEM achievements of these Black icons. We extend our appreciation for all the submissions and congratulate our winners.”

“Programs and partnerships like these from UScellular promote awesome opportunities for children to learn about history and become engaged in the learning process at the same time,” said Mary Ann Dudley, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County. “We continue to appreciate UScellular’s partnership with our Club and their continued support of our kids and community.”