Luke Craig's winning entry.
Ten young photographers, representing schools all over Southwest Virginia, were recognized for their photos at an awards program at Heartwood: Southwest Virginia's Artisan
Gateway, Abingdon, Va.
The contest is named 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.
Luke Craig from Narrows, Va., placed first in the high school division. Second place went
to Hayley Aker from Chilhowie, Va., and third place was Nick Spencer from Patrick County, Va.
Honorable mentions were presented to Shalissa Breeding from Lebanon, Va., Alison Saari
from Blacksburg, Va., Graysen Barrs from Abingdon, Va., and Kaitlyn Hafley from Chilhowie,
Va.
First place in the middle school division went to Matthew Fritz from Damascus, Va.
Second place went to Kierra Gertz from Northwood, Va., and third place was awarded to Luisa Martinez from Rye Cove, Va.
"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."
