May 1, 2026

Three of our talented Advanced Art students, led by Mrs. Julia Hankins, won awards in the 2026 Statewide High School Juried Art Contest. The contest was open to all 10th through 12th grade students in Alabama, and there were more than 700 submissions. 

“I am so excited for them. It’s one thing to create something you’re happy with, but it’s another thing to put it out there for people to see, to be judged for it, and then to win an award,” says Mrs. Hankins. “It’s very affirming and a sign that you’re on the right track to see your hard work paying off.”

Mrs. Hankins says the students primarily worked on their pieces during their art classes, although Caroline worked also on her digital piece at home. The submissions were entered and judged in February. Of the submissions, 70 were selected to be displayed at the Shelby County Arts Council gallery during March and April. The closing reception and awards ceremony were held on Sunday, April 26 to announce 15 overall winners.

10th grader, Sakura Pope, won Best in Painting for her oil landscape, “Against the Flood.” 

Senior, Caroline Majors, received the Staff Choice award for her digital category entry, “Pearl,” and senior, Charlotte Hankins, received the Executive Director’s Choice for her mixed media entry, “Rewind.”

These three winners from ECCS are a testament to the good work being done by Mrs. Hankins as she teaches, supports, and guides her talented students. Congratulations to Sakura, Caroline, and Charlotte!