South Summit student wins holiday art contest, highlights school arts impact

South Summit School District named Allyson Bateman of South Summit Middle School the winner of its 11th Annual Holiday Art Contest on December 15, 2025. Bateman, an eighth grade student and daughter of Jessica and Dave Bateman, created a seasonal piece using Prismacolor colored pencils that the district said demonstrated exceptional technique and artistic vision. Her artwork will appear on the district holiday card that is distributed to district employees, neighboring school districts and state and local agencies.

Each year a different school within the district is selected to design the official card. This year South Summit Middle School was chosen, and Bateman received a one hundred dollar gift card along with a printed copy of her artwork as it appears on the card. The contest has run for more than a decade and is intended to showcase student creativity across the district.

Art teacher Camille Vernon, who teaches Bateman, is known for encouraging exploration across a wide range of mediums and for helping students find opportunities to express themselves. The district congratulated Bateman and thanked all students who participated, and said it looks forward to continuing the tradition that highlights student talent.

Beyond the celebratory recognition, the contest has local public health and social equity implications. Creative programs in schools contribute to mental health, provide safe avenues for emotional expression and strengthen connections between students and their communities. For Summit County residents, sustaining arts instruction can support youth resilience and reduce barriers to participation for students who may not have access to materials or extracurricular opportunities at home.

As districts face competing budget priorities, community leaders and families may view events like the holiday art contest as an example of the value of investing in school based arts. The contest also offers a visible reminder that student voices matter and that simple acts of recognition can have meaningful effects on confidence and community belonging. The South Summit School District said it will continue the program and celebrate future student work in the years ahead.