The Georgia Farm Bureau annually hosts an art contest centered on Georgia agriculture, showcasing the creativity and talent of local students. This year's standout among county entrants is Lexi Sangum, a dedicated 9th-grade student from Lake Oconee Academy Art II.

Lexi's exceptional artwork earned her the title of county winner and secured her a coveted cash prize of $50. The competition, open to 9th through 12th-grade students from public, private, or homeschooling backgrounds, encourages participants to express their artistic vision on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper, utilizing a grayscale black, white, and gray palette.

Contestants are encouraged to explore various mediums suitable for reproduction, such as graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencils, pen and ink, or mixed media. Lexi's Art II teacher, Mrs. Debbie Vogel, lauded Lexi's dedication and talent, describing her as a hardworking freshman with immense potential.

Lexi's victory at the county level propels her artwork to the District stage and potentially to the statewide competition. Her achievement highlights her artistic prowess and underscores the importance of the farming industry in Georgia.

According to the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Georgia's agriculture sector contributed a substantial $73.2 billion to the state's economy in 2021, showcasing the vital role of farming in sustaining economic growth and employment opportunities within the state.