Two Idaho student artists will have their winter-themed artwork featured on the Idaho Department of Education’s 2024 holiday cards.

The department selected two overall winners, one from grades K-6 and the other from grades 7-12. Fifth grader Emersyn Hanks of Rock Creek Elementary in Twin Falls took the K-6 division with a whimsical Santa-themed tree. Sandpoint High 11th grader Izzy Davidson’s hat-wearing holiday moose won the 7-12 category. Their submissions were selected from a variety of entries and voted on by Idaho Department of Education staff.

“This is always a fun and refreshing way for the department to get into the holiday spirit with a focus on students, and I always love seeing the amazing talent that these young artists have,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. “I’d like to thank each student who took the time to submit to the contest and to congratulate Emersyn and Izzy on their winning work this year.”

The two winning pieces will be printed on the Idaho Department of Education’s annual holiday cards and the winning artists will receive cards for their own personal use this holiday season.

The contest also named grade-level winners:

• • Kindergarten: Kathryn Seefried, Mackay Elementary, Mackay
  • First grade: Waleska Figueroa Maradago, Gooding Elementary, Gooding
  • Second grade: Avyakt Nataraj, Collister Elementary, Boise
  • Third grade: Kiana Steeves Nunez, Pepper Ridge Elementary, Boise
  • Fourth grade: Bayleigh Humphrey, Heyburn Elementary, Maries
  • Fifth grade: Emersyn Hanks, Rock Creek Elementary, Twin Falls
  • Sixth grade: Paige Eliason, Malad Middle School, Malad
  • Seventh grade: Paityn Goodnight, Summitvue Middle School, Caldwell
  • Eighth grade: Harper Crow, Orofino Jr/Sr High School, Orofino
  • Ninth grade: Akshara Nataraj, Riverglen High School, Boise
  • Tenth grade: Liddia Gonzalez, Malad High School, Malad
  • Eleventh grade: Izzy Davidson, Sandpoint High School, Sandpoint
  • Twelfth grade: Clara Campbell, Sandpoint High School, Sandpoint

Click here to view all of the winning art.