Three Charles Henderson Middle School students were honored at the annual Superintendent’s Art Awards presentation program Thursday at the State Capitol in Montgomery.

The CHMS eighth-graders students were all award winners in the photography category. Barton Hicks was awarded second place; Ashley Brooke Kersey was awarded third place and Niki Li received honorable mention.

Jennifer Sullivant, CHMS art teacher, said the students’ work was outstanding and to be recognized on the statewide level was a tremendous honor for all three.

The winners of the annual Superintendent’s Award were invited to attend the February meeting of the state board of education where they were recognized by State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice.

The students and their parents and teachers were invited to the RSA Tower where award certificates were presented during a luncheon honoring the award winners. The students’ artwork is on display at the RSA Tower through February.

“The luncheon awards program was very nice with printed programs and beautiful arrangements on the tables,” Sullivant said. “It made the kids feel so special and it was very special for them to see their artwork exhibited in a setting other than at school. They were excited to have their artwork recognized along with artwork by students from top ranked schools around the state and to see a ribbon hanging next to their artwork. This recognition was well deserved.”

In addition to the certificates they received, each honored student received a sketch pad and art supplies.

Hicks, Kersey and Li are members of CHMS pre-advanced art class. The level of instruction that they are receiving will allow them to take a full year of art as ninth graders.

The name of each teacher who attended with his or her students was entered in a dawning for a voucher to attend a drawing conference at Huntingdon College this summer.

Sullivant’s ticket number was drawn.

“I am excited to have this opportunity and I’m looking forward to attending,” she said.

Sullivant said she is also excited that Dr. Lee Hicks, superintendent of Troy City School, plans to have the three students’ artwork matted and framed for showcasing at the central office.

Hicks, Kersey and Li will be recognized at the next Troy City School board meeting along with the other students who entered the Superintendent’s Art competition.