The “Empowering Hernando Families” Art Contest Winners

At a recent school board meeting, the recent “Empowering Hernando Families” art contest winners were recognized. The contest, a collaborative initiative by the Hernando Community Coalition (HCC) and the Hernando Substance Exposed Newborn Taskforce, aimed to intertwine art with social awareness.

The art contest was open to residents aged ten and older and invited students, artists, and all interested citizens to contribute their artistic creations. They chose five winners among many submissions, three of whom were students.

Two of the student winners, Liana and Faith from Challenger K8, were present at the school board meeting to receive recognition for their outstanding artwork. Their work was on display during the meeting, but won’t be there for long. The students can have their art back if they want, but Dr. Jennifer Ward, a pediatrician at Hernando Pediatrics, currently has the other three art pieces and is looking to complete her collection with the final two winners.

The contest shines a light on a grave concern in Hernando County, where an alarming 38 percent of babies are born opioid-addicted. The Hernando Substance Exposed Newborn Taskforce is dedicated to reducing these numbers and ensuring healthier beginnings for the community’s youngest members. Through creative endeavors like the “Empowering Hernando Families” art contest, the task force hopes to engage the community in meaningful dialogue and action towards this end.