Chapin High School student Jessica Gilliam is an award-winning artist.

Her artwork has been placed at both the South Carolina and National Beta Club conventions.

The rising senior placed 1st in Sculpture at the South Carolina convention in February, and traveled to Nationals in June to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where her sculpture placed 9th.

Beta Club holds annual state conventions in 18 states. Winners of these state events go on to compete on a national level.

Gilliam created a large cardboard sculpture in her design foundations class at Chapin High School.

“The name of my artwork is ‘Driftwood,’ it symbolizes my life: go with the flow of the water, to get to the other side of the river,” Gilliam said. “My inspiration was derived from a recycling project introduced to me by my art teacher, Ms. Templeton. It is made out of recycled cardboard and staples.”

She and her Beta Club sponsor agreed that traveling with such a large piece of art was a daunting task.

“I am so proud of her amazing accomplishment. Congratulations on a well-traveled, and well-deserved win, Jessica,” said Janis Morgan, Chapin High School Beta Club sponsor.

The National Beta Club is the largest independent, nonprofit, educational youth organization in America. There are now more than 500,000 active members and more than 8,750 clubs nationally and internationally.

“Being with the Beta Club has helped me grow into a better person especially when it comes to leadership and serving my community,” Gilliam said. “I have participated in a number of community service projects and I am looking forward to attaining additional leadership roles in the future.”

“We are so proud of Jessica, the Chapin Beta club and all our teachers and staff who help our students pursue excellence each day,” said Chapin High School Principal Michael Ames.