Jayah Vann earned the $500 top prize for a recent book cover design contest at Commerce High School, while Katrina Puckett took second place and earned $200. 

Both designed covers for “The Hustle Handbook: Lessons They Don’t Teach You IN SCHOOL, but Life Will,” by Mark Lackey, Co-founder of HireSmart Cares, a local nonprofit focused on workforce development.  

Lackey’s autobiography details his journey from a high school dropout to an accomplished entrepreneur. He aims to help struggling young people understand that they, too, can find a successful career path, and he offers encouragement and tips on how. 

The HireSmart co-founder held design contests for teens at area high schools to create a catchy cover for his book. Vann’s design served as inspiration for what became the final design. 

“I saw the book as a path of helping others find themselves,” said the high school junior, who plans to study computer science in college. “And I just feel like the man walking just symbolize the main purpose of the story.” 

Puckett, a senior, said she’s planning on a career in game development.  

“I’ve always been a creative type,” she said. “I’ve been writing a lot since I was young. I feel like stories can be best explored in a format where you can interact with it.” 

HireSmart Cares is a Madison County-based 501c3 focused on providing K-12 students with the time, tools, teaching, and technology they need to have successful careers without taking on crippling college debt. To learn more about Cares, visit hiresmartcares.org. To inquire about receiving a copy of “The Hustle Handbook,” email info@hiresmartcares.org.