Talk about otter-ly adorable! Caroline Davey, a senior at Philip Simmons High, is the winner of the 2025 Home Telecom Directory Art Challenge! Her delightful depiction of the river otter at Santee Canal Park nabbed this year's cover.
This 11th annual contest marks the final one, as the March 2025 Home Telecom directory will be the final printed directory published. Davey’s artwork will have a featured location encompassing the back cover of the directory.
The Home Telecom Directory Art Challenge has been one of Home Telecom’s long-running education outreach programs, aimed at spotlighting art departments and gifted students across Berkeley County School District. Students compete for the best artistic depiction of lowcountry scenes, historical locations or local events.
"The incredible talent of our students and the dedication of our teachers continue to make Berkeley County School District shine," Superintendent Anthony Dixon said. "Caroline Davey’s achievement in the Home Telecom Directory Art Challenge is a testament to the power of artistic expression and the unwavering support of educators like Paige Duvall, who inspire and cultivate creativity in our schools."
Home Telecom also recognized Cane Bay Middle's Elise Jurica who took home second place for her "Reflections of Cypress Serenity," and Zilin Fang from Hanahan Elementary took home third place for his "Fall Snack."
"A student’s flair for nature, talent for capturing a special moment in time, relaying a season, and in presenting their vision in living color is amazing," Gina Shuler, vice president of marketing at Home Telecom, said. "And we cannot forget the art instructors in our schools who are teaching children how to bring their visions to life. They are truly gifted.”
Over the course of the competition, Home Telecom has awarded over $60,000 to participating art departments in BCSD. Each year, the three schools with overall winners receive $1,000 each for placing first in each category.