Holiday Card

Holiday Card
Holiday Card

            Boulevard STEM Elementary School 4th-grader Teagan Dalton’s holiday card design was chosen for the Kokomo School Corporation Superintendent and Board of School Trustees’ 2017 holiday card.

            Teagan learned Dec. 1st that her card had earned 3rd place in the Mayor’s annual 4th-grade Christmas Card Contest. Teagan’s creative design was inspired by Santa Claus, and featured the phrase “Ho Ho Ho.” Teagan decorated the letters with Christmas lights, and topped the o’s with Santa hats. In the corner of the card, Teagan drew a snowman saying “Ho Ho Ho.”

            Teagan was excited to be named a finalist in Mayor Greg Goodnight’s contest. What she didn’t know was that her design also impressed Superintendent Dr. Jeff Hauswald.

            Once the mayor selects a favorite design each year, Dr. Hauswald chooses an official Kokomo School Corporation holiday card from the remaining finalists. This year, he chose Teagan’s.

            Dr. Hauswald and Board President Marcia Bowling surprised Teagan with the news Wednesday (Dec. 13th) at Boulevard. Teagan’s mother joined the celebration in her 4th-grade classroom.

            “We are so proud of Teagan and this beautiful card that she made,” Board President Bowling told Teagan’s class. “I am excited to be at Boulevard to honor Teagan and to represent the school board on this happy occasion.”

            Teagan wasn’t sure what to think when she learned that her card was chosen as the official holiday card of Kokomo Schools.

            “I was so shocked and surprised at first,” Teagan explained. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh. I can’t believe it.’ It feels really nice.”

            Teagan’s mother, Morgana Thomas, added: “When Teagan was surprised with the news, she was speechless, which is rare for her. I am so proud of her. Teagan has a natural talent… All of my daughters are natural artists.”

            Teagan explained that her sisters have inspired her love of art, and they all spend time drawing together. Teagan hopes her sisters are excited about her accomplishment, since she worked so hard on her card design. Teagan estimated she spent three weeks on the artwork.

            Teagan’s art teacher, Karen Foust, noted: “I am so proud of Teagan. This award is a wonderful tribute to a talented artist, and a stellar student.”

            Teagan’s card will be sent to teachers, principals, other superintendents, and even Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick. Additionally, Teagan was presented with a framed copy of her card, along with copies of the card that she can send to family and friends this holiday season.

            When speaking to Teagan and her classmates, Dr. Hauswald noted: “Keep up the good work, Teagan. You are quite the artist. This is a STEM school, but Boulevard has some talented artists.”

            Teagan’s classmate, Leevi Combs, earned 1st place in the 2017 Mayor’s Christmas Card Contest. Leevi’s design features Santa Claus and his reindeer, along with a large Christmas tree. Leevi’s design will be the official Christmas card of the mayor, and it will be sent to local, state, and federal officials, as well as the U.S. President and Vice President.  

            This year’s other winners included Alohnna Alvarado, 2nd place, Lafayette Park International Elementary School; Teagan, 3rd place, Boulevard STEM Elementary School; Blake Fivecoate, 4th place, Lafayette Park International Elementary School; Emma Downs, honorable mention, Lafayette Park International Elementary School; Nayah Mills, honorable mention, Technology Academy at Bon Air Elementary School; Madison Hendrix, honorable mention, Technology Academy at Pettit Park Elementary School; Gabriella Williams, honorable mention, Wallace Elementary School of Integrated Arts; and Adylee Cohee, honorable mention, Lafayette Park International Elementary School.

            Mrs. Foust noted that the Christmas Card Contest, open to all 4th-grade students in Kokomo Schools, is popular every school year. The students always are engaged. She is thankful the City of Kokomo and Kokomo Schools provide such opportunities to budding artists.

            “Anytime you can honor student artists, it’s good for everyone… the city, the school, and the students,” Mrs. Foust concluded.

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