Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Recognizes Barnwell County Student Justin Kinard at Statehouse for Statewide Art Achievement
![A young boy and a woman in a pink dress hold a framed poster in the foreground, surrounded by other adults in a marble-walled hallway with an American flag in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776802228/bsd45net/gapagrxxsmbz0jzfilvo/justinKinardStatewideArtAchievement.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776802228/bsd45net/gapagrxxsmbz0jzfilvo/justinKinardStatewideArtAchievement.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776802228/bsd45net/gapagrxxsmbz0jzfilvo/justinKinardStatewideArtAchievement.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1776802228/bsd45net/gapagrxxsmbz0jzfilvo/justinKinardStatewideArtAchievement.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776802228/bsd45net/gapagrxxsmbz0jzfilvo/justinKinardStatewideArtAchievement.jpg","width":1281}])
Barnwell County School District is proud to celebrate Justin Kinard, a student at Kelly Edwards Elementary School, who was recognized at the South Carolina Statehouse on April 2, 2026, for his outstanding achievement in the statewide Governor’s Art Contest on Litter Prevention.
Justin was honored by Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette during a special ceremony highlighting student finalists from across the state. Hosted in partnership with PalmettoPride, the annual contest invites elementary students to creatively promote environmental stewardship through art. Also at the Statehouse to congratulate Justin were Senator Brad Hutto and Representative Lonnie Hosey, who joined in recognizing his accomplishment.
Each year, students from across South Carolina participate in the Governor’s Art Contest, illustrating the theme “Litter Trashes Everyone.” Through their artwork, students encourage residents of all ages to appreciate the natural beauty of the state and take responsibility for keeping roadways, waterways, and communities clean.
Justin was named a semifinalist at the state level, representing not only Barnwell County but also one of twelve counties in PalmettoPride’s Lowcountry region, which includes Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper, and Orangeburg counties.
In addition to his recognition at the Statehouse, Justin was further honored locally during the April 14, 2026, meeting of the Barnwell County Council, where he was presented with an official resolution in recognition of his accomplishment and his representation of the community on a statewide stage.
Justin’s parents, Johnny and Erica Kinard, shared that they are extremely proud of him, noting that he has made history as the first-ever Barnwell County student to receive this award.
“Justin’s achievement is something our entire community can take pride in,” said Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton. “His creativity and message serve as a reminder that our students are not only talented, but also thoughtful leaders who care deeply about the world around them. We are incredibly proud of the example he is setting for others.”
Justin’s artwork stood among the top entries in a statewide field, reflecting both artistic talent and a strong understanding of the importance of environmental responsibility.
Barnwell County School District congratulates Justin Kinard on this outstanding accomplishment and extends appreciation to PalmettoPride and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for their continued support in recognizing and uplifting student voices across South Carolina.
Use the form below to SUBSCRIBE to the BCSD News Feed. By subscribing, you will receive an email notification as soon as BCSD news is released.
Click the link below to download the article.
For more information, contact:
Barnwell County School District Superintendent Office
Phone: (803) 541-3590
Email: cstapleton@bcsd.net