MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — For the first time in the history of the competition, student artwork from Berkeley County School District will be featured on a local billboard, as Home Telecom announced the winners of its 2026 BCSD Art Contest.
The annual contest honors artistic achievement among elementary, middle and high school students, recognizing first-, second- and third-place winners in each age group, along with overall winners across the district.
This year’s top honor went to Sophia Ligon, a senior at Philip Simmons High School. Her drawing, The Common Table, was named the first-place overall winner and will be displayed on a billboard in Berkeley County, offering residents and visitors a highly visible showcase of student creativity.
Second place overall was awarded to Bella Ramos of Marrington Middle School of the Arts for her piece, “Peace”ful Day at the Beach with Friends. Arya Ekrall, a 10-year-old student at Howe Hall Aims Elementary School, earned third place overall for Life More Colorful with Technology.
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“We are deeply grateful for this art contest, which creates meaningful opportunities for our district and gives our students a platform to be seen, celebrated, and inspired,” said Cassandra Cowdrey, the Berkeley County School District’s visual and performing arts coordinator. “The artwork submitted was truly beautiful and showcased an incredible level of talent, creativity, and thoughtfulness.”
The BCSD Art Contest is part of Home Telecom’s broader support of local education, with a focus on strengthening art programs throughout Berkeley County. Students are challenged to artistically depict Lowcountry landscapes, community events, technology or historical landmarks.
In addition to public recognition, the contest provides direct financial support to school art departments. Home Telecom donates $1,000 to each first-place winning art department, $500 to second-place departments, and $250 to third-place departments. Art departments receiving honorable mentions are also awarded $100 each.
“I want to congratulate Sophia for her exceptional work and artistic talent, and also recognize her art teacher, Paige Duvall, for guiding and encouraging her creative growth,” said Gina Shuler, Home Telecom’s vice president of marketing. “This billboard serves as a welcoming visual introduction to Berkeley County, reflecting scenes that genuinely capture the character of our area.”
Over the past 12 years, Home Telecom has contributed nearly $70,000 to Berkeley County school art departments through the contest, funding supplies and materials for student artists.
2026 BCSD Art Contest Winners
Elementary Schools
- First Place: Arya Ekrall, Howe Hall Aims Elementary School — Life More Colorful with Technology
- Second Place: Lilian Cabiella, Hanahan Elementary School — Evening with My Best Friend
- Third Place: Owen Atkins, Daniel Island School — The Perfect Pic at Cypress Gardens
Middle Schools
- First Place: Bella Ramos, Marrington Middle School of the Arts — “Peace”ful Day at the Beach
- Second Place: Ella Kate Crawford, Carolyn Lewis Middle School — Photographing Pineville Chapel
- Third Place: Delaney Beane, Cane Bay Middle School — Lullaby of the Woodland Meadow
High Schools
- First Place: Sophia Ligon, Philip Simmons High School — The Common Table
- Second Place: Ebelin Martinez-Hernandez, Berkeley High School — The Jeffries Lock
- Third Place: Olivia Gondolfo, Timberland High School — Anoles & Kudzu
Home Telecom officials say the contest will continue to serve as a platform for celebrating student creativity while investing in the future of arts education across Berkeley County.
