This past weekend, the Auburn community hosted its first annual Crow Cawcus, a two-day celebration designed to promote local businesses while highlighting the city’s unique connection to crows. The event featured crow-themed food, live music, arts and crafts, poetry, markets, and educational opportunities, including presentations from ornithologists from Cornell University.

Among the volunteers was Union Springs High School student Hannah McHenry, who assisted at the arts and crafts table on Saturday, February 21, at the Atrium Building in downtown Auburn. Hannah volunteered from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., helping young children with creative projects and engaging with community members and fellow artists throughout the day.

Hannah, who aspires to become an art teacher, has built an impressive and award-winning portfolio during her time at Union Springs. Her accomplishments include multiple recognitions in the prestigious Scholastic Art Awards program. She earned an Honorable Mention in drawing in eighth grade, followed by a Gold Key Award in ceramics as a sophomore, which advanced to win a National Gold Medal. As a junior, she received two additional Gold Key Awards and a Silver Key Award in ceramics, along with an Honorable Mention in sculpting and pottery. In her senior year, she has already earned two more Gold Key Awards in ceramics and the ClayScapes Pottery Award.

Hannah shared that she especially enjoyed working with young children and valued the opportunity to connect with other artists showcasing their work. Her volunteerism reflects both her passion for art and her commitment to sharing creativity with others—qualities that will serve her well as she pursues her future goals in art education.