Columbia, SC (WLTX) - In a time where many schools are cutting Arts programs, Richland Northeast High School is nurturing theirs. That dedication is paying off for their students.
Upon first meeting, "I don't know, um, sorry!" stumbles Cleavon Flojo. It may seem this senior has a hard time expressing himself.
"Everything is made out of art," explains Flojo, "you start with a blank canvas and then create something."
The teen has no problem expressing himself through his photography.
"I found a camera and I played with it, and I was like 'oh! I like it'."
Flojo has been recognized by the Scholastic Arts Awards, and will now compete with other artists at the national level.
"I didn't grow up in a photography family, I just learned by myself."
This year, he earned three Gold Key Awards, two Silver Keys, and had one honorable mention. However, you won't catch him bragging.
"I'm surprised. I'm like... really? My photographs?"
Modesty must run in the class because Lucy Counts is also a very talented artist.
"I did better than I expected," Counts admits.
"I got a Gold Key for my portfolio and American Vision for one of my pieces."
She also earned two Silver Keys and an honorable mention. She too will be competing on the national level.
For Lucy, each brush stroke paints a bit of excitement and she talks about art in the same way that some may talk about life.
"I never know what he end result's going to be," she explains. "It's really fun to start with a blank sheet of paper and see where you end up."
Their teacher, Mary Catherine Newman, believes they're an example of why the Arts are so important.
"Lucy and Flojo are two students that wake up in the morning and think about art," says Newman."They are both very modest. They are not only academically talented but artistically talented. They have passion, they want to learn ."
When it comes to artistic ability, both Lucy and Flojo both have talent. But being "good at it" is not solely why art is important to these students.
"It's a really great form of expression for kids and a really great outlet for people who wouldn't have anything else to do, and any place else to go otherwise," explained Counts. When I'm having a long day at school art class is where I would much rather be."
"I can just relax and think out of the box," said Flojo.
Judging for the National Arts Awards will be in March, 2012. In total, 15 works of art are coming from Richland Northeast. To see the works that are being judged, click here.