A Lexington-Richland School District Five student won an award in the 2022 Magnet Schools of America Poster Contest.
Layla Young, a seventh grader at Irmo Middle School International Academic Magnet, received third place in the middle school level in the nationwide competition.
The contest highlights and promotes magnet schools across the country. This year, students had the option to express or interpret one of the magnet school pillars or all five. The pillars are: diversity, innovative curriculum & professional development, academic excellence, leadership, family and community partnerships.
“It feels so unreal to me to be recognized out of so many entries, but I am so happy and surprised that my artwork won third place,” Young said. “Ever since I was little I have loved to color and draw with my Dad who inspired me to pursue art. As I have gotten older, I started to make characters and practice drawing on my own. It’s something I can do in my free time and just something that makes me happy. It gives me something to improve on and express my feelings.”
Students compete in one of three levels: elementary, middle and high school level. Online voting took place in March. Voters selected the top five posters from each level. Students had to adhere to the theme as well as provide a clear and concise message. They also voted on originality and organization as well as the use of color and design.
“It is outstanding that School District Five had a student earn a third-place honor in the competition,” said Sara Wheeler, School District Five Magnet Director. “It shows that our magnet schools are inspiring our students to express themselves and the purpose of magnet schools through artwork. Magnet schools serve an important role in local communities. These theme based schools attract students from across the district based on their interests.”
