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Journal kids prove talent in artwork contest

Junior artists all over the countryside tried their hand at creating their rendition of "The Best Christmas Gift" for the 2007 Journal Christmas Card contest.

Utilizing watercolor and crayon to pencil and paint, children filled the Journal mailbox with their artful creations. One thing is for sure; there is an abundance of artistic talent among Journal youth.

Out of nearly 400 entries, Jake Nelson, Dalton, Neb., was chosen as the grand prize winner. Jake wins $250 and his artwork will used on the Journal's Christmas card this season. Age category winners Sarah Hammeke (6 years and under), Austin Sink (7 to 10 years) and Kristin Ellerman (11 to 15 years) were awarded $100 each.

High Plains Journal
"The Best Christmas Gift"

Grand Prize Winner

Jake Nelson
Dalton, Neb.
Age 15

Jake Nelson's watercolor painting of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus is the grand prize winner of the 2007 Christmas Card Contest. Jake¹s entry will become the official "2007 High Plains Journal Christmas Card" and he will receive $250.

Jake is from Dalton, Neb., where he is a freshman at Leyton High School. He participates in speech, band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, plays football and is active in 4-H.

In his free time, Jake likes horseback riding, skiing, cooking and painting.

First Place 11-15 Winner

Kristin Ellerman
Nortonville, KS
Age 12

Kristin Ellerman's drawing of birds in a wintery scene won the 10 to 15 years age division.

Kristin is in seventh grade at Cross Roads Academy where she is homeschooled. Her favorite subjects are art, drawing and writing. She also enjoys science and nature and is particularly interested in birds. In fact, she hosts a purple martin colony.

In her spare time, Kristin paints and belongs to an art group.

First Place Age 7 - 10

Austin Sink
Ottawa, KS
Age 10

Austin Sink's drawing of a John Deere tractor in a wintery farmyard won the 7 to 10 years age division. His inspiration for his drawing was his interest in tractors.

Austin is from Ottawa, Kan., where he is homeschooled at Sand Creek Christian Academy. He is in fifth grade and his favorite subjects are science, reading and Bible.

In his free time Austin likes drawing, reading, creating things, science experiments and playing basketball.

First Place Age 6 & Under

Sarah Hammeke
Ellinwood, KS
Age 6

Sarah Hammeke's entry in the Christmas Card Contest won top placement in the 6 and Under age division with her drawing of baby Jesus in the manger with onlooking farm animals.

Sarah attends St. Joseph Elementary School in Ellinwood, Kan., and is in first grade. Her favorite subjects are music and art. Sarah also enjoys soccer and drawing.

Sarah's love of animals helped inspire her drawing as well as her interest in becoming a veterinarian when she grows up.


Abigail Starr Noble Ages 6 & Under	William Wilton Ages 6 & Under	Devyn Volz Ages 6 & Under
Kayla Garvert Ages 7-10	Kirsten Zerr Ages 7-10	Ethan Nelson Ages 7-10
Hannah Harlow Ages 11-15	Kayla Doll Ages 11-15	Julie Yoder Ages 11-15


To find a picture, click on the first letter of the last name of the artist: [ A ] [ B ] [ C ] [ D ] [ E ] [ F ] [ G ] [ H ] [ I ] [ J ] [ K ] [ L ] [ M ] [ N ] [ O ] [ P ] [ Q ] [ R ] [ S ] [ T ] [ U ] [ V ] [ W ] [ X ] [ Y ] [ Z ] We want to thank everyone who participated in this year's "The Best Christmas Gift." Nearly 400 entries were received!

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