The spirit of Christmas came alive on the front page of the News-Leader today, thanks to the artistic talent of our community's youngest artists. The News-Leader’s first-ever “Color the News” holiday art contest drew entries from elementary schools across the region — a celebration that marks a triumphant return of arts education to local classrooms.
This outpouring of creativity comes just one year after the district received its first funding from a transformative 2022 millage referendum.
“Public arts as a designated resource activity has not been funded in this district since the 90s,” explained Stephanie Lunt, chair of the Nassau County School District’s Millage Citizens Oversight Committee in a recent committee report.
This contest represents more than just holiday spirit — it’s a testament to what becomes possible when a community invests in its children’s creative education.
The voter-approved millage established crucial funding allocations: 70% for staff compensation, 12% for athletics and 9% each for arts programs and safety, health intervention and prevention initiatives. While approved in 2022, the first revenue arrived in December 2023, following November tax collections. The impact was immediate: Elementary schools now have dedicated art teachers and fully supplied classrooms, while secondary schools have eliminated student supply fees.
The impact of a new art program was immediately evident at Southside Elementary. “Southside Elementary so loved being a part of this exciting community contest. Art has been a godsend for all the students here at SES,” said Allison Johns, Southside Elementary art teacher. “With our first year of having a program, students have exceeded my expectations for the love and fun of art. Every single student loves art and a chance to be creative.”
Reflecting on her students’ enthusiasm, Callahan Intermediate School art teacher Samantha Greene shared, “Thank you for hosting this contest for the elementary schools in the county. My students were so excited to participate in this art contest. They all worked so hard and were striving to create pieces to showcase ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ and their art skills. We have amazing artists at CIS, and I’m so glad others get to see what I see daily. This contest is such a wonderful idea, and I’m so honored to get the chance to enter a few pieces for my students. I hope this continues for many more years so our great county can see how creative our children are.”
Holiday traditions became a source of inspiration at Emma Love Hardee Elementary. “Thank you for initiating this art contest. My third- through fifth-grade students were very motivated to relay their favorite Christmas traditions in their art,” said Susan Whicker, art teacher. “What I enjoyed most was the conversations we had as we worked on our projects. Students were sharing their holiday traditions as well as their own techniques used to create their art.”
Wildlight Elementary students embraced new artistic techniques, noted art teacher Corinna Ballard. “My students and I were so excited to create holiday artwork. We got to experiment with new materials, learn about famous artists, try new techniques and make pieces that share what we love about the holidays,” she said. “Our second-graders said it was the most fun project of the year, first-graders loved adding crystallized texture to paint with salt, and the fourth-graders enjoyed playing a game of ‘3, 2, 1 switch!’ to trade markers while creating pop art. Art class has made a huge impact on the students’ use of imagination, creativity and confidence.”
Grand prize winner
This year’s grand prize winner, whose artwork is featured on the front page of today’s Christmas Day edition, is Rebekah Ross, a first-grade student at Southside Elementary School. Ross captured first place with her vibrant crayon drawing of a joyful angel.
Grade-level winners
The following students were selected as grade-level winners for their outstanding artistic contributions:
Kindergarten Lizzie Fellows, Southside Elementary, art teacher: Barnes
First Grade Rebekah Ross, Southside Elementary, art teacher: Pierce
Second Grade Everley Hedden, Southside Elementary, art teacher: McGee
Third Grade Scarlette Greene, Callahan Intermediate, art teacher: Green.
Fourth Grade Rosie Schell, Wildlight Elementary, art teacher: Westberry.
Fifth Grade Brady Godbolt, Wildlight Elementary, art teacher: Rowan
The News-Leader extends thanks to Callahan Elementary, Callahan Intermediate, Emma Love Hardee Elementary, Hilliard Elementary, Southside Elementary, Wildlight Elementary and Yulee Elementary for their enthusiastic participation in this year’s holiday art contest. The complete gallery of student artwork from “What Christmas Means to Me” can be viewed online at fbnewsleader.com. Readers can also follow the News-Leader on Facebook, Instagram and X to see featured selections throughout the holiday season.