Augusta University Students Compete in Annual Unity Talent and Art Show

The Office of Mentorship and Student Engagement hosted its sixth annual Unity Talent and Art Show right before Thanksgiving break. Students competed. Prizes? Scholarships of $300 for first place and $150 for second place, plus People's Choice and Impact Award honors in visual art and performing arts categories.

"The Unity Talent and Art Show celebrates our students and reflects AU's commitment to inclusivity," said Tori Johnson, MSE coordinator for co-curricular learning, according to Jagwire. "This event allows our students to channel their creativity and passion into something meaningful."

Tyler Guy and Puja Punukollu acted as co-hosts. Guy is a fourth-year psychology major. Punukollu is a fourth-year dual-degree MD-MBA student. The pair holds the titles of Mr. and Miss Augusta University.

Four judges reviewed submissions. Kim Davies, dean of the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, sat on the panel with John Blalock, Student Government Association president. Raysean Ricks, a communications instructor and alum, joined them. So did Laura Austin, director of Graduate Student Engagement and Success.

Amaya Lee-Davis won first place and an Impact Award in the visual art category. The second-year cybersecurity major created a digital piece that showed diversity across nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds.

Sophia Tang took second place and an Impact Award in the visual art category. Avery Watson received the People's Choice award. Mia Noble and Anita Singh also earned Impact Awards.

D'Quessani Lee won first place and an Impact Award in the performing arts category. The fourth-year psychology major performed "I Know Where I've Been" from the musical "Hairspray."

AU Sharkara placed second in performing arts. The African Student Association won the People's Choice award in that category.