When Tipton County Executive Jeff Huffman called her name during the June 8 Tipton County Commission meeting, 7-year-old Addyson Currie did what she often does when attention turns her way.

She got quiet.

Surrounded by family members, friends and staff from the Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region, the shy first-grader stood at the front of the room as Huffman read a proclamation honoring an achievement few children – or adults – ever experience.

Among more than 5,500 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, Addyson earned first place in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national “The Power of Us” art contest, winning the digital arts category for children ages 6 to 9 with her piece, “Little Hands, Big Hope.”

Just weeks earlier, she had no idea she was even entering a competition.

“I made the picture on the iPad,” Addyson said matter-of-factly during a recent interview at the Boys & Girls Club.

When she learned she had won a national award, her reaction wasn’t what most people might expect.

“Scared,” she said.

Why?

“’Cause I was nervous being in front of everybody.”

That quiet nature is part of what makes her accomplishment even more remarkable.

“She’s very comfortable in silence,” Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Ed Doyle said. “But she’s brilliant.”

Doyle said Addyson, who recently completed first grade at Charger Academy, was the highest-achieving reader in her age group during the club’s Reading Success Academy. He describes her as kind, creative and thoughtful – the same qualities reflected in her artwork.

At home and at the club, Addyson creates art constantly.

“I do art all the time,” she said.

While her award-winning entry was created digitally, she said she usually prefers drawing on paper. Her favorite subject is flowers.

The iPad she used to create “Little Hands, Big Hope” was one of 30 devices donated to the Boys & Girls Club through a partnership involving Tipton County government, local libraries and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Broadband Ready Communities grant program. Doyle said the devices have opened new opportunities for children to learn, create and explore.

For county leaders, Addyson’s award represents more than an individual achievement. It is a reminder of what can happen when communities invest in their children.

For Addyson, it means something much simpler.

When asked how it feels to know her artwork was chosen as the best in the country, she smiled.

“Happy.”

Despite her own nerves, Addyson already knows how she would encourage another child who is hesitant to share their work.

“Cheer them on,” she said.

And if someone wanted to become a better artist?

“Practice, practice, practice.”

This fall, Addyson will return to Charger Academy as a second-grader. One day, she hopes to become a teacher for first-grade students.

For now, she’s looking forward to a summer filled with swimming, movies and more time to draw.