Gracie awarded $25,000

Sixteen-year-old Gracie A. of Leroy has been named as Cox Mobile’s first-ever nationwide phone case design contest winner during a local celebration at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana yesterday.
A proud member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana’s Rodney Simon Vermilion Unit, Gracie’s winning design, themed "A World Within Reach," earned her a $25,000 scholarship, propelling her one step closer to her dreams.
“Hands of the World reflects the beauty of connection and the power of dreams,” says Gracie A. “As a teenage artist, I wanted to create a design that celebrates how people from all over the globe can reach out, inspire, and uplift each other. The gradient background of blues, purples, and pinks represents a world full of hope and endless possibilities.” 
An aspiring forensic scientist, Gracie has always had a passion for art but never had the opportunity to explore it until she began attending Boys & Girls Club after school. Her journey shows the impact of providing creative outlets and support to young individuals.
The contest, held in partnership with Cox Communications to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cox Innovations Labs in Boys & Girls Clubs, invited eligible Boys & Girls Club members from Cox markets to submit original phone case designs. As the award-winning design winner, Gracie's art will be manufactured on phone cases by Otterbox and sold online and in Cox Mobile stores. 
Gracie’s victory extends beyond her personal achievement. Her home Club, the Vermilion Unit in Abbeville, will receive a $25,000 grant to establish a Cox Innovation Lab – an advanced learning space designed to equip kids and teens with technology and resources essential for their success.
"We are incredibly proud of Gracie and her incredible achievement," said Rhyan Wheeler, Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana President & CEO. "Her story is a testament to the limitless opportunities available to young people when they are given the right tools and encouragement. This scholarship will support her future aspirations, and the Cox Innovation Lab will ensure even more Club members can explore and thrive in the world of technology and creativity.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. Boys & Girls
Clubs of Acadiana operates under a mission to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Serving youth in 9 different locations, Boys & Girls Clubs provide opportunities through after school programs and summer camps with activities focusing on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles & Habits, and Good Character & Leadership.
If interested in supporting the Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcacadiana.com/donate or call 337-268-9555.