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South Walton teen advances to finals in Cox Mobile’s national phone case design contest

A Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast member will compete for a $25,000 scholarship after being selected as one of 22 finalists nationwide in a contest celebrating creativity and future potential.
Contributed photo

LB, a member of the South Walton Boys & Girls Club, was announced as a finalist in Cox Mobile’s second annual Phone Case Design Contest, held in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

  • The contest invited high school Boys & Girls Club members to design a phone case representing the theme “A World Within Reach – Future Icons.”

LB received a connectivity prize package during a celebration at the club on Tuesday. Her design features two koi fish with deep symbolic meaning.

“The design I drew shows two koi fish. In many cultures koi fish symbolize success, courage, and ambition,” LB said. “These two koi fish in particular are Tui and La, and are the spirits of the ocean and moon. They symbolize balance. The color red also carries meanings of good luck and prosperity.”

Later this spring, a panel of judges will select the grand prize winner from the 22 finalists. The panel includes leaders from Cox Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Club Alumnus Mario Lopez and 2025-2026 National Youth of the Year Ximena. 

  • The grand prize winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for their local Club.

“This contest means so much to our community and to the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast,” said David Deliman, market vice president of Cox Gulf Coast. “By investing in this generation and encouraging them to harness their creativity, we’re instilling the quiet confidence they need to grow into strong learners and leaders.”

Contributed photo

In addition to the grand prize, the public can vote for this year’s Cox Mobile Fan Favorite Winner, who will receive a $25,000 scholarship and a $10,000 technology grant for their local Club. 

Voting is open now through Feb. 28, 2026, here. The public can vote daily for their favorite designs.

“Every teen has the potential to become a future icon – and that journey begins by being seen, heard and supported,” said Colleen Langner, EVP and chief residential officer of Cox Communications and a Southeast BGCA Trustee. “This contest is more than a creative outlet; it’s a catalyst for designing futures and unlocking a world of possibility.”

Cox Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have partnered for more than two decades to supply Clubs across the country with Cox Innovation Labs, providing members with access to and education on digital connectivity.

All finalist artwork can be viewed at www.cox.com/phonecasecontest.

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