New Castle County Youth Take State Honors in the Art Contest "What Home Means to Me"

Gracie Stebner receives her certificate and ribbon. Standing with Gracie is General Manager of the New Castle County Community Services Department Marcus Henry (lf) and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer (rg).

New Castle County's Department of Community Services honored the talents of youngsters from its Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) who participated in the state of Delaware National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)'s Art Contest--What Home Means to Me. New Castle County receives HUD funds to administer the HCV program.

New Castle County officials transformed the County Government Center lobby into an Art Gallery to showcase the work of these creative youngsters ranging from age 2 to 18.  They drew pictures and described what home meant to them.

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer congratulated the youth on submitting artwork that won in every category of the statewide art competition.

Reba Fillie, who has participated in the competition for the last three years, won another state title in the high school division. Meyer and the General Manager of the New Castle County Community Services Department Marcus Henry were on hand to give Fillie her ribbon and certificate.

Twelve-year-old Gracie Stebner, placed third in the state in the middle school division, and was awarded a yellow ribbon. She shared her portfolio with Meyer who was quite impressed with her work.

Gracie Stebner's artwork and essay.

Nine-year-old Serenity Matthews won first place in the state in the elementary school division for her artwork. In her essay, she described her home as full of love. The heart shaped house illustrates that description.

Serenity Matthews' artwork and essay.

Reba Fillie receives her certificate and ribbon. Standing with Reba is General Manager of the New Castle County Community Services Department Marcus Henry (lf) and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer (rg).

NAHRO salutes all the winners.

 Elementary School Age Winners
  1st Place - Serenity Matthews, New Castle County
  2nd Place - Jennah Jones, New Castle County
  3rd Place - Kenneth Banner, Wilmington

Middle School Age Winners
  1st Place - Delani Potts, Wilmington
  2nd Place - Teonna Wilson, New Castle County
  3rd Place - Gracie Marie Stebner, New Castle County

High School Age Winners
  1st Place - Sahmir Toliaferro, Wilmington
  2nd Place - Queenie Jones, New Castle County
  3rd Place - Reba Fillie, New Castle County

The youngsters' goal for next year is to earn some national honors for their work.

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