RALEIGH, NC (June 10, 2024) – Five Wake Tech students were recognized for their talents in art and poetry, winning top prizes in a competition hosted by the National Career Development Association (NCDA). This year’s competition theme was “Arts of the Mind: Linking Health and Career Success.” Wake Tech’s Career Services department invited all students to submit work in one of three categories: Poetry, Art (Standard) and Art (Digital).
National Winners:
1st Place Poetry – Grace Abraham: Brave Baby Blue Bird
1st Place Art (Standard) Brooklyn Talbert Art Image
2nd Place Art (Standard) Niya McQuilla Art Image
1st Place Art (Digital) Hannah Sage Hanlon Art Image
2nd Place Art (Digital) Emma Huffman Art Images
The five winning pieces will be exhibited at the NCDA annual conference later this month in San Diego. The students will receive a certificate and a special gift from the NCDA.
“The competition was a great opportunity for students to explore the intersection of creativity, mental health, and careers,” said Garla Gover-Smith, Wake Tech Career Team Director, “The competition also serves as a platform to raise awareness among students about the importance of considering their career paths and what they need for career development.”
Career Services worked with staff and faculty from multiple departments to promote the contest and judge the student submissions. Advertising and Graphic Design Professor Carla Osborne helped with promotion, while CARE team leaders Ashley Wheeler and Richard Redding worked with Career Services staff to judge the 17 outstanding submissions.
Wake Tech Career Services regularly receives networking and professional development from NCDA, including the North Carolina Chapter of NCCDA. Wake Tech currently has two members serving on its board of directors: Johnette Smith is the current Secretary and Ramchandra Athavale is Membership Co-Chair. NCDA provides professional development, publications, standards, and advocacy for practitioners and educators who inspire and empower individuals to achieve their career and life goals.
To learn more about the support and resources offered by Wake Tech Career Services, visit careerservices.waketech.edu.
