Booker High School student wins People's Choice Award

Booker High School 10th grader Wade Turner won the People’s Choice Award for his artwork “It’s All Up to You Now,” which depicted an elderly man passing the world and a paintbrush to his young apprentice. The artwork won visitor’s hearts and Booker High School received a $1,000 prize for their Visual and Performing Art’s Program.

Embracing Our Differences is a project by Coexistence, Inc., a local non-profit that began in 2004 that showcases community-based outdoor exhibit promoting positive, artistic and verbal expressions of inclusion, acceptance and respect.

Turner’s work represented the passing of the inheritance of the world to a child who represents the next generation.

“Nothing lasts forever,” the 18-year-old Turner wrote in his artist’s statement. “Even in our complex society somethings need assistance to continue.”

Turner, who will be entering 11th grade at Booker High School in the fall, say’s he needed his art teacher Jeff Cornwell’s support and encouragement. “He’s been an excellent mentor. He understands that young artists can’t rely on skill and talent – we need a strong work ethic to pursue a career in the arts.” Turner hopes to attend Ringling College of Art and Design when he graduates high school.