Students tell story of Liberty County

The Jack Hartel Building was the location for the first-ever Liberty County Historical Commission Art and Essay Contest Saturday morning, and a friendly gathering of local students and their families was on hand for the presentation of this year’s winners. Students from several area school districts participated in the event that was focused on local Liberty County History, with projects highlighting a person, place, or event that affected our area.

Liberty County Historical Commission Chair Linda Jamison was excited about the participation in the program and especially its future growth.”

“I think you can see we had a lot of entries, and I think that everything has turned out very well,” said Jamison.

Winners in this year’s essay category are Jenna Ramirez, Devers ISD, ages 10-12, subject: James Taylor White. Elizabeth Diaz Arreola, Dayton ISD, ages 14-16, subject: Annie E. Colbert, Rosenwald Schools. Zhamisaf Idrisov, Cleveland ISD, ages 17-18, subject: Founder of the Martin Auto-park.

Winners in the art contest are Fernando Carranza, Cleveland ISD, ages 7-9, subject: Thomas Bros. Feed Store. Teegan Davis, Devers ISD, ages 10-12, subject: Steamboat on the Trinity.

Christina Williams, Dayton ISD, ages 17-18, subject Annie E. Colbert: Paving the Way for Black Education.

“it was very difficult to arrive at the top of each group,” said Jamison about the entrants.

Liberty County Judge Jay Knight was on hand to present the winners with their awards and a small gift card from the LCHC. Afterward, guests viewed the projects on display and were treated to Texas flag cookies and their very own Texas flags to take home.

The Special Events Committee organized the event: Sheryl Pannell, Beverly Davis, Gloria Stratton, Susan Rice, Sandra Sterling, and Pat Blaike.