UCPS names 2025 Holiday Card Contest winners

Applause, proud families and colorful displays of student artwork filled the room on Dec. 5 as Union County Public Schools celebrated its 2025 Holiday Card Contest finalists during the district’s annual breakfast. Now in its eighth year, the event has become a signature holiday tradition, spotlighting the creativity of students from elementary through high school.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan welcomed the guests, congratulating the finalists and expressing appreciation for the art teachers and families who nurture artistic talent across the district.

“Being here today is an accomplishment in and of itself,” Houlihan told the students. “We are incredibly proud of the creativity, talent and dedication you’ve shown.”

Houlihan gave a special shout-out to Ashley Ponscheck from the College Readiness and Humanities team for her work organizing the contest and coordinating logistics with the communications team. He also recognized UCPS art teachers, members of the Board of Education, senior staff, and the committee responsible for reviewing submissions and managing the online voting process.

This year’s contest drew strong participation from across the district: 101 elementary submissions, 164 middle and high school submissions and more than 3,900 online votes.

Assistant Superintendent for Academics Dr. Susan Rogers guided the program and invited each finalist to share the inspiration behind their artwork. Students spoke about favorite winter memories, color choices, the meaning behind their designs and the techniques they used to bring their concepts to life.

As they stood before the guests, the finalists described holiday traditions, the animals they love, and meaningful relationships that have influenced their creative choices.

When it came time to announce the winners, the room again filled with cheers.

Elementary winner

Nina Ozerova, third grade, Wesley Chapel Elementary

Ozerova’s card features a seal and a penguin — two animals she said she loves — illustrated in a whimsical winter setting. She used markers, pencils and paints.

"I love to draw," she said. "It’s so much fun to make pictures of the things I like. I can’t wait to enter again next year."

Secondary winner

Mallory Simpson, seventh grade, Porter Ridge Middle

Simpson’s watercolor and colored-pencil illustration depicts a father and daughter building a snowman, highlighting the importance of family during the holidays.

“I felt like fathers aren’t always represented as good parents, and I wanted to show that,” she said.

She plans to use her Hobby Lobby gift card to buy beads because she also enjoys making jewelry.

Both students received a framed copy of their card, a $100 Hobby Lobby gift card and 25 printed cards to share with family and friends. Their artwork will also be featured on the UCPS website, in the district newsletter and across district social media platforms.

The celebration ended with photos, congratulations from district leaders and a final round of applause for the 10 talented finalists whose artwork captured the spirit of the season.

UCPS also recognized the following students as finalists in this year’s contest:

Elementary 

• Laasya Kothapalli, third grade, Antioch Elementary 
• Kiana Dadala, third grade, Rea View Elementary 
• Srivahni Valluru, fourth grade, Weddington Elementary 
• Unnati Madella, fifth grade, Weddington Elementary 

Secondary 

• Cheyanne Burke, ninth grade, Marvin Ridge High 
• Emelie Garcia, 12^th grade, Marvin Ridge High 
• Marlene Lopez, 10^th grade, Porter Ridge High 
• Abby Liu, 10^th grade, Weddington High