Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) is proud to announce Hanika Faith DeGraciá as the district’s 2025 Holiday Card Showcase Winner, marking her second consecutive year earning the top honor. Her artwork, selected from submissions across the district, will represent OCSD on all official holiday cards this season.

Hanika’s artistic journey began when she was just eight or nine years old. What started as a simple hobby quickly became a passion. Originally from the Philippines, Hanika moved to the United States four years ago, seeking expanded opportunities for her family and her future. In the Philippines, formal art classes were not available, but upon relocating, she discovered her love for art more deeply under the mentorship of her former art teacher at William J. Clark Middle School, Mrs. Malissa Wright.

OCSD Fine Arts Coordinator Johnnie Smith shared, “Each year our students raise the bar with their creativity. This showcase is a reminder of how powerful the arts are within our schools.

We congratulate Hanika and all of our finalists for sharing their talent with the district, he said.”

This year’s winning artwork was inspired by something Hanika has never experienced firsthand, snow. Imagining what the world might look like on the day she sees snowfall for the first time, Hanika painted a scene filled with wonder, brightness, and youthful anticipation.

During her time at William J. Clark Middle School, she discovered that art wasn’t just an interest but a true source of inspiration and love.

As a 9th grader attending Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, Hanika hopes to major in art in college while also exploring other fields that spark her interest. Her continued success in the Holiday Card Showcase affirms both her growing talent and her dedication to her craft.

Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster celebrated Hanika’s accomplishment, saying, “Hanika reflects the best of who our students are - creative, hardworking, and full of promise. Her story reminds us of the power of opportunity and the impact of educators who nurture potential. We are incredibly proud of her, he concluded.

We are proud to celebrate the creativity and talent of students across the Orangeburg County School District for their outstanding artwork in this year’s Holiday Card Showcase.

In addition to Hanika’s first-place recognition, OCSD congratulates the following students for their exceptional submissions:

District Winner

•  Hanika Faith DeGraciá – 1st Place, High School Division

District Second Place (Tie)

•  Kimberly Obiet – 1st Place Tie, Middle School Division

•  Triesha Patel – 1st Place Tie, Middle School Division

Finalists

•  Charles Simmons – 2nd Place, High School Division

•  Anika Grace Robinson – 1st Place, Elementary Division

•  Alaylah Daniels – 2nd Place, Elementary Division

For additional information, please contact Taylor R. Johnson, Communications and Multi-Media Specialist, at taylor.johnson@ocsdsc.org or 839-253-2070.