The festive atmosphere was electric last week as the winners of the annual Christmas Coloring Book Competition, organized by Edwards Law Office, were announced on SVI Radio. This year’s event attracted over 1,200 entries from students across Star Valley, showcasing the incredible artistic talent of young local artists.
In a November interview during the Weekday Wake-Up, Jack Edwards from Edwards Law Office shared insights into the tradition, which has been a staple for seven years, with a brief pause during the pandemic. “We distribute over 1,100 coloring books to four schools and home-school groups each year,” Edwards explained. “Kids color pages featuring local sponsors and return their artwork for evaluation.”
The stakes are high, as each sponsor chooses a winner who receives a unique prize, while one grand prize is awarded for the best overall piece. “Every year, selecting the winners is a challenge,” Edwards remarked, underscoring the remarkable talent of the participating children.
This year’s Grand Prize, which includes a $100 bill and the opportunity to design next year’s cover, was awarded to sixth grader Kaleb Heiner from Osmond Elementary. “His work was exceptional,” announced J.R. Reichart from Edwards Law Office during the broadcast. “He even incorporated the Northern Lights, which weren’t part of the original page—very impressive!”
The competition also honored classrooms and schools. Thayne Elementary clinched the award for the most entries submitted, earning a choice between a movie night or a bowling outing. “They submitted entries by just two-tenths of a percent,” Reichart pointed out, emphasizing how close the competition was.
For classroom achievements, standout teachers included Mrs. Forsythe from Etna Elementary and Emily Wolfley from Thayne Elementary. Forsythe’s class missed first place by just one entry, allowing Wolfley’s class to enjoy a pizza party hosted by Artisan Chef and Chef Maggie Pallan. “It’s wonderful to see both teachers and students engaging in this event,” Reichart added.
Jack Edwards highlighted the competition’s impact on the community. “We wanted to give back, and it’s heartwarming to see kids unplugging from screens during the holidays,” he noted. “Thanks to the support of 24 local sponsors, this event has become a success.”
The coloring book competition not only fosters creativity among children but also enhances community solidarity. “It’s more than just a contest; it’s about uniting our community,” Edwards concluded.
As the event continues to gain traction and support each year, anticipation builds for future editions that will engage even more young artists across Star Valley.
