On Tuesday, March 15, Brittany McMahan, a seventh-grade student at Washington-Wilkes Middle School was recognized by the Georgia Department of Agriculture for placing first in the statewide art competition in her category (Middle Grades 4-8) for her pastel painting depicting a farm scene. Her artwork was submitted by her visual arts teacher, Mrs. Gloria Rhodes. Brittany received a medallion and certificate presented to her by Tommy Irvin, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture. She was also awarded a check in the amount of $100 for her accomplishment.

The day's activities began early with Commissioner Irvin, along with Gina Stansield, Miss Teen Georgia Cotton, displaying the first place art entries on Atlanta's Fox 5 television station. Registration and breakfast followed in the Agriculture Building. The group was then escorted by hostesses from the Department of Agriculture to the south wing of the Capitol, where they were welcomed and the awards program began. During the ceremony, a proclamation signing, celebrating the importance of agriculture in the state of Georgia, was delivered by Governor George "Sonny" Perdue. The program was filmed by PBS.

Brittany McMahan visited with dignitaries and displayed her art at the State Capitol. Brittany was accompanied to Agriculture Day 2006 by Pam Hall and Gloria Rhodes, both teachers at W-WMS, and by her mother, Jackie McMahan, and her grandmother, Mary Perdue. Brittany enjoyed sightseeing in Atlanta and she and her family were treated to lunch at the Hard Rock Caf before returning home.

Brittany's artwork was featured in color on the front page of the March 15, 2006, edition of the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin.

Congratulations, Brittany!