16 Dec 2017 CrossPointe elementary student wins Christmas card contest

Harding University Cannon-Clary College of Education presented the first-place award for its eighth annual Christmas card illustration contest to Jackson Stewart, a sixth-grader at CrossPointe Preparatory School in Searcy. His illustration was selected from more than 30 submissions.

“We began this as a community outreach to our local schools, both public and private, and we have benefitted from the wonderful, imaginative artwork of the elementary-aged students,” said Dr. Donny Lee, dean of the college. “We see this as a good opportunity to connect with the community and share the talents of the students in the schools. This is important because the Cannon-Clary College of Education’s vision and mission embody service to the community and creating opportunities for students and their families to succeed.”

For the past eight years, Lee has reached out to local elementary schools to help design the cover of the college’s Christmas card. This year, he chose Crosspointe Preparatory as the participating school with elementary and middle school art teacher Lori Stewart directing the activity.

“My students and I were honored and so excited that Crosspointe Preparatory was chosen to participate in the Christmas card design contest,” said Stewart. “They were able to combine their artistic creativity with one of their favorite holidays and had a wonderful experience.”
Students from the school submitted their artwork to the College of Education, where it was then judged by faculty and staff to determine first- and second-place winners. Both Jackson and fourth-grade student Lucy Myers, who placed second, were recognized by Lee at a school assembly and presented with a prize. Jackson’s artwork also is featured on the cover of the Christmas card that is sent to more than 300 Harding alumni and friends.

“As a small private Christian school, we enjoy and appreciate making connections with Harding. Because of partnering activities such as this contest, the students gain valuable exposure to an exceptional Christian university,” Stewart said.

To learn about other ways Harding partners with the community, visit harding.edu/community.