Schools

Country Day Student Wins Third in Local Black History Month Art Contest

Detroit Country Day senior Kaylin White won third place in the first annual McDonald's Celebrates Black History Moments on Canvas contest.

A Detroit Country Day student will have her artwork on display in downtown Detroit this month after winning third place in McDonald's first annual Black History Month art contest.

Country Day senior Kaylin White won third place in "McDonald's Celebrates Black History Moments on Canvas," a contest run by Detroit-area McDonald's restaurant owners.

The goal of the inaugural contest was to educate and encourage thought among southeastern Michigan teens about their African American heritage, as well as how African Americans contributed to American and world history.

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"We are so proud of these young people and their artistic expression of the history, heritage, hard work and accomplishments of black people," said McDonald's restaurant owner Jon Campbell as he announced the winners at Midtown's N'Namdi Center for Contemporary Art last week.

"We are thrilled to know that a program about black history resonated with these students and inspired them to use art as a tool for expression and learning," he added. "McDonald's is committed to providing these kinds of opportunities that promote the importance of education amoung our youth."

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A display of the winners' artwork will be on display at he N'Namdi Center through March 14.

The winners were first winnowed down from 50 semifinalists to 12 finalists, with the top three chosen by a panel of judges, including N'Namdi owner George N'Namdi, BLAC Detroit Editor-in-Chief Kimberly Hayes Taylor and McDonald's owner/operator John Potts. White received $500 for her third place win.

Meanwhile, the winner, 17-year-old Jermaine Tripp from Cass Technical High School, received $2,000 and $375 for his art teacher.

"Art is an important aspect in a student's development," said N'Namdi. "I'm honored to be part of this wonderful program that helps support the arts in schools and that fosters the knowledge of self. I truly appreciate McDonald's for developing a community-based program for the benefit of Detroit-area youth."

Coming in second place was 14-year-old Jalen Barney from the Henry Ford Academy School for Creative Studies. Other finalists included students from the Detroit School of Arts, Mount Clemens High School, Grosse Pointe North and Wayne Memorial High School.


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