Sorenson Communications™, the nation’s leading provider of video relay services (VRS), products, and solutions for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community today announced the winners of the first Sorenson Communications Art Contest. Deaf and hard-of-hearing elementary, middle, and high schools were given the theme of “Hand Art – Communicating with Sign Language” as inspiration for their artwork.
Over 300 original entries by deaf and hard-of-hearing students from across the country were submitted for the art contest. Sorenson Communications contributed $4,500 in cash prizes to the winning schools and individual artists. Participating schools entered art pieces by individuals and group artists that included various mediums such as watercolors, oil paints, pastels, and photography.
“Our students were excited to participate in the art contest. They wanted to share their personal expressions and artistic impressions of life as individuals who communicate through sign language,” said Chip Walters, Director of Fine Arts at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind in Spartanburg, South Carolina. “We are thrilled to have been awarded a prize for our school as a result of our participation. The cash award will help provide our students with some needed educational tools,” added Walters.
The artwork was judged by Sorenson Communications employees, including deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing individuals. The three winning pieces from the each school category will be displayed at the Sorenson Communications’ corporate offices in Salt Lake City, Utah for public enjoyment.
“The response to the art contest far exceeded our expectations,” said Pat Nola, President and CEO of Sorenson Communications. “The students and teachers at the deaf schools thoughtfully considered the project and supported it with the same kind of enthusiasm we often see from the deaf community. We are committed to supporting the deaf community and we know that these cash prizes will assist the winning schools to purchase needed supplies for the coming year of 2006.”
The winners of the art contest in each category are as follows:
Elementary School Category
First Place: “We are Proud of ASL” by Lily M. (age 12) of Kendall Demonstration Elementary School; Washington DC.
Runner Up: “Our Language – ASL” by Franco M. (age 9) of Kendall Demonstration Elementary School; Washington DC.
Honorable Mention: “People’s Hands and Eyes” by Marisa K. (age 10) of Texas School for the Deaf; Austin, TX.
Middle School Category
First Place: “Deaf Perspective” by Stephanie T (age 13) of Illinois School for the Deaf; Jacksonville, IL.
Runner Up: “Sorenson: Our Hero” by Dakota R. (age 14) of Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville, IL.
Honorable Mention: “Grandpa, Mom and I All Touch the Sky” by Jessi Z. (age 12) of Jean Massieu School for the Deaf; Salt Lake City, UT.
High School Category
First Prize: “ASL of Animals” by Tyler W. (age 16) of Indiana School for the Deaf; Indianapolis, IN.
Runner Up: “Dance with Me” by Kendra F. (age 17) of South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind; Spartanburg, SC
Honorable Mention: “Colorful Friends” by Anthony D. (age 16) of Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind; Staunton, VA.
The winning art entries can be viewed at the Sorenson Communications Web site at www.sorenson.com/contest.
About Sorenson Communications
Sorenson Communications™ (www.sorenson.com) is a provider of industry-leading communication offerings including Sorenson Video Relay Service® (VRS), the line of videophones, and Sorenson IP Relay™ (siprelay). Sorenson VRS (www.sorensonvrs.com) enables deaf callers to conduct video relay conversations with hearing friends, business colleagues, and family members through a qualified American Sign Language interpreter. The company’s Sorenson VP-100 is the first consumer-based broadband videophone appliance specifically designed for deaf individuals. Sorenson IP Relay (www.siprelay.com) allows deaf and hard-of-hearing users to place instant text-based relay calls from a PC or mobile device to any telephone user. Sorenson Communications offers Voice Carry Over (VCO) with Sorenson VRS and Sorenson IP Relay services allowing users with hearing loss who prefer to use their voice and read the response.
This article was last modified on January 3, 2023
This article was first published on December 7, 2005
Commenting is easier and faster when you're logged in!
