The Shadow
LOW MOOR — Artwork from Chesney Wright, a fifth grader at Jeter-Watson Elementary School, will be featured on the Alleghany Highlands Public School Division’s 2024 holiday card.
Chesney’s artwork was selected from designs entered in the school division’s annual holiday card contest. Her winning design was chosen from a pool of outstanding submissions from Jeter-Watson students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades.
Her colorful holiday snow globe is featured on the official AHPS holiday card, which AHPS leaders Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson will send to various community leaders in the Highlands and supporters of AHPS.
The holiday card contest has become an annual tradition for AHPS. In 2023, the contest was held at Callaghan Elementary School. This year, it moved east to Jeter-Watson, where art teacher Alexis Snyder and her students began working on the project in October.
“The third, fourth, and fifth-grade students had multiple weeks to create their own original holiday card design. Each student was dedicated to making their card design the very best they could. There were hundreds of incredible artworks made for the contest and the students should be so proud of what they have made,” Snyder said.
The students’ designs are prominently featured on bulletin boards at Jeter-Watson Elementary School. The school board chose the winning design. Jeter-Watson’s staff carried out the difficult job of narrowing the entries down to finalists.
Chesney’s design features a colorful snow globe with the words, “Merry and Bright Christmas.” Snyder said Chesney is a talented artist with a bright future.
“Chesney is always one to have an idea for an artwork the moment we start a new project. Her creative ideas inspire and motivate those around her. Chesney has such a great love for art. She truly enjoys the process of creating, and it’s clear she takes pride in her work,” Snyder said.
“This is my second year having Chesney in art class. As long as I have known her she has been an exceptional student. She is always kind to others and will lend a helping hand without being asked. Chesney is hardworking, focused, and brings a positive attitude to every situation,” Snyder added.
AHPS leaders view the contest as a way to showcase students’ creativity and artistic talents.
“We are excited to celebrate with Chesney. We always enjoy recognizing our students and their artistic talents throughout the year. The art contest not only inspires creativity but also captures the holiday spirit,” said Jeter-Watson Principal Cynthia Morgan.
The first-ever winner was Braylee Boggs, who is now a third-grader at Callaghan. The contest is rotated among schools each year. In 2025, it will move to Mountain View Elementary. AHPS leaders are excited about the growing popularity of the contest and they are already looking forward to next year.
“We enjoy sending this card each year. We believe the Alleghany Highlands are doing great things and moving forward, and sending the card truly helps us celebrate,” said Halterman and Snead-Johnson.
AHPS serves approximately 2,700 students. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington. The school division was formed when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged on July 1, 2022.
AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at ahpublicschools.
