Lafayette Park International Elementary School 4th-grader Eli Roe’s holiday card design was chosen for the Kokomo School Corporation Superintendent and Board of School Trustees’ 2018 holiday card.
Eli learned Dec. 6th that his card had earned 4th place in the Mayor’s annual 4th-grade Christmas Card Contest. Eli’s creative design was inspired by a picture of Santa Claus that Lafayette Park art teacher John Brothers shared with Eli.
“I liked the Santa Claus, but I wanted to make it original to me,” Eli explained.
Eli drew Santa Claus riding a sleigh with Christmas gifts and a Christmas tree. In the drawing, Santa is exclaiming “Ho! Ho! Ho!”. Eli wrote “Happy Holidays Kokomo, IN” inside the sleigh.
Eli was excited to be named a finalist in Mayor Greg Goodnight’s contest. What he didn’t know was that his 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 Eli’s.
Dr. Hauswald and Board President Marcia Bowling surprised Eli with the news Thursday (Dec. 13th) at Lafayette Park. Eli’s parents, grandparents, and sister joined the celebration in his 4th-grade classroom.
“We are so proud of Eli and this beautiful card that he made,” Board President Bowling explained. “I am excited to be at Lafayette Park to honor Eli and to represent the school board on this happy occasion.”
Eli wasn’t sure what to think when he learned that his card was chosen as the official holiday card of Kokomo Schools.
“I don’t know how to explain what I’m feeling,” Eli noted. “I am shocked. This is amazing. It’s really cool that so many people will see my art.”
Eli’s art teacher, Mr. Brothers, was not surprised by the 4th-grader’s artistic achievement.
“Eli is a really talented artist,” Mr. Brothers explained. “In class, I rarely have to help him. When Eli finished his card for the mayor’s contest, I told him right away that this one was going to be a finalist. I just had a feeling about Eli’s card.”
Mr. Brothers added: “I am proud of all my 4th-grade art students, who worked hard on their submissions for this competition.”
Eli’s card will be sent to teachers, principals, other superintendents, and even Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick. The cards also were delivered to every employee of Kokomo Schools. Additionally, Eli was presented with a framed copy of his card, along with copies of the card that he can send to family and friends this holiday season.
When speaking to Eli and his classmates, Dr. Hauswald noted: “Keep up the good work Eli. You are quite the artist!”
This year’s other finalists included Abigail Kettlewell, 1st Place, Lafayette Park International Elementary School; Payton Smith, 2nd Place, Lafayette Park International Elementary School; Suniaire E. Sharp, 3rd Place, Wallace Elementary School of Integrated Arts; Eli Roe, 4th Place, Lafayette Park International Elementary School; Apryl D. Naquin, Honorable Mention, Lafayette Park International Elementary School; Lilian Alter, Honorable Mention, Wallace Elementary School of Integrated Arts; Journey Hile, Honorable Mention, Lafayette Park International Elementary School; and Iris Harlan, Honorable Mention, Wallace Elementary School of Integrated Arts.