Story by Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Kamryn Perry, a seventh-grade student at Martinsburg South Middle School, won the middle school division of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Poster Contest.
This year was the 40th annual contest, where students submitted their artwork that focuses on King’s famous quote, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Perry first heard about the contest through her younger brother’s school. She always liked art, so her mother suggested that she participate. Perry thought it sounded like something fun to do and submitted her artwork.
“My poster design is based on Ruby Bridges, who was the first person who attended a white school,” Perry said. “I read a lot about her and know a lot about what she’s done. I always thought that she was very inspirational. She still does public speaking today.”
Perry has enjoyed making art ever since she was young. She’s worked hard to improve her skills by sketching random drawings and practicing watercolor. One of her favorite things about art is that she can make something special and unique to her.
Perry enjoyed having the opportunity to encourage others and remind people of the importance of remembering everything that has changed through her art.
“It shows that even though there are many changes today, there are still some things that are hard for us to do,” Perry said. “But there are also so many good things that have changed. I can attend this school and do things I couldn’t have done before thanks to the people like Ruby Bridges and Martin Luther King Jr.”
Perry is passionate about art and making a difference in her school. Through her work, she hopes other students will learn to appreciate the opportunities they have through school and enjoy learning.
“I want people to see that in the past, they wanted to go to school,” Perry said. “They didn’t have the opportunity, but they wanted to learn. We should be happy that we can go to school easier now than we did before.”
The Herbery Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA) will hold an award ceremony today for all the award recipients, including students who won awards for their essays, music and film projects. For more information, visit the HHOMA Facebook page.