Agricenter International in Memphis recently honored the winners of the Ag Day Student Art Contest with a luncheon and guest speakers. Over 115 people attended the Celebration and Exhibition at the Farmer’s Market on March 20.
Jim Jaggers, News Channel 3 Meteorologist, was emcee. Welcome remarks were given by President John Butler of Agricenter International, Deputy Commissioner Tom Womack of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and Angela Hill on behalf of Shelby County Government. A panel discussion on the local food movement was hosted by Margaret Oldham and featured Dr. Heather Jamerson of 275 Food Project, Bill Ganus of Edible Memphis and the Rev. Marlon Foster of Knowledge Quest Green Leaf Learning Farm.
After the luncheon, the exhibition hall was open and many Ag companies had displays. There were 378 art entries from Shelby and DeSoto counties. Cash prizes were given to each student ($100, $50 or $25) and the teacher of each first-place student ($100). The teacher whose name was drawn at random, Monica Scott, received $250 toward classroom supplies.
Winners in the Grades 3-5 Division included:
- First place: Veronica Gale, Cordova Elementary (teachers: Shameka Carter and Martha Berge)
- Second place: Melody McCloskey, homeschooled
- Third place: Fatiha Dang Kua, Cordova Elementary
Winners in the Grades 6-8 Division included:
- First place: Ashley Merriweather, City University of Liberal Arts (teacher: Monica Scott)
- Second place: Maci McMahon, Arlington Middle School
- Third place: Kathy Lam, Colonial Middle School
Winners in the Grades 9-12 Division included:
- First place: Shridhar Athinarayanan, White Station High School (teacher: Charles Berlin)
- Second place: Susanna Smith, Arlington High School
- Third place: Brenna Jackson, Arlington High School
Sponsors of this contest and exhibition were the Mid-South National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) and Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
