BIRMINGHAM – Congressman and Mrs. Spencer Bachus announced that Shy’Ailah Rutledge, a third grade student at Erwin Elementary School, has been selected as the cover artist for the 2007 Holiday Card Call for Art.
The participants in this year’s program were honored today at a reception at the Homewood Public Library hosted by Congressman and Mrs. Bachus and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry Vision Science Research Center.
"These students have captured the spirit of the Christmas season by sharing their talents with us. The originality and diversity of their artwork is truly inspiring. It is a privilege to be able to recognize these gifted and loving children," Bachus said.
The UAB School of Optometry Vision Science Research Center sponsors the Holiday Card Call for Art to provide a creative outlet for talented students with visual impairments. In 1993, Congressman and Mrs. Bachus began using the original art in their holiday card to highlight the accomplishments of local students.
Shy’Ailah, who is nine years old, was selected as the winner of the contest for her artwork entitled "Christmas Tree." Her teacher at Erwin Elementary School is Bonnie Armistead. The principal at the school is Mike Barlow.
The following students submitted artwork for the 2007 Holiday Card Call for Art.
Manny Awantona, Gardendale High School
Destiny Cobbs, Brookville Elementary School
Dana Folds, Clay-Chalkville High School
Reagan Green, Deer Valley Elementary School
Tabatha Hames, Clay-Chalkville High School
Zachary Nickles, Brookville Elementary School
Derrel Nunn, Rocky Ridge Elementary School
Amanda "Gracie" Faulkner, Corner Elementary School
Maria Rivette, South Shades Crest Elementary School
Nicholas Rollins, Gresham Junior High School
Shy’Ailah Rutledge, Erwin Elementary School
Shaquon Rutledge, Erwin Junior High School
Dylan Sebastian, Centerpoint Elementary School
Christopher Thorn, Jr., Centerpoint Elementary School
Hope Williams, Gardendale High School
Kayla Faith Wilson, Rocky Ridge Elementary School