The Herald-Times
Fairview student’s talent on display with Ivy Tech holiday card
By April Toler 331-4353 | atoler@heraldt.com
December 17, 2012
Ask fourth-grader Lauryn Lewis why art is her favorite class, and she will tell you: “Because you get to color and design what you want.”
So when the Fairview Elementary student sat down to design a holiday card for Ivy Tech Community College, she put all of her enthusiasm for art into the design.
And her hard work paid off. Lauryn’s design was chosen as this year’s winner for the college’s annual holiday card, an honor a shy Lauryn was surprised to receive.
“I was a little bit happy,” she said quietly.
On Monday, John Whikehart, chancellor of Ivy Tech in Bloomington, presented Lauryn with a plaque featuring her design along with some extra cards for her family and fellow classmates. Her design, chosen from about 40 designs, features the inside of a house complete with a fireplace, a Christmas tree and Santa with a bag full of toys.
The card, which will be distributed to about 5,000 students, reads “Card illustrated by Lauryn Lewis, fourth-grade student at Fairview Elementary School, a Leonard Bernstein Artful Learning School.”
The community college has been commissioning artwork from local students for several years. This is the second year they have partnered with Fairview.
“We always get a lot of reaction to the cards,” Whikehart said. “It’s a lot of fun to do this.”
Lauryn — who came in for the award presentation although she was not feeling well — was a little uncomfortable with all the attention surrounding her. But her classmates showed plenty of excitement as they gathered around her Monday morning.
“Good job Lauryn,” one classmate said as she patted Lauryn on the back.
Lauryn’s mom, Tertha Lewis, said her daughter is always drawing and her work has progressed through the years.
After her first glimpse of the winning card Monday, Lewis was all smiles as she snapped pictures of her daughter receiving the honor.
“It’s cute,” Lewis said of the card. “I’m just proud of her.”
Art teacher Lacey Basgier said the attention and honor for Lauryn, whom she described as an “absolute sweetheart,” was well deserved.
“(She is a) model student, setting a good example most of the time, hardworking. You can tell looking at her holiday card and the other artwork … she’s just always doing the right thing and trying her best,” Basgier said.
The art teacher also praised Ivy Tech for its partnership and support of Fairview and its students.
“It’s just really nice to partner with someone in the community and to get our students’ artwork out in the community as much as possible,” Basgier said.
Lauryn Lewis, a Fairview Elementary student, designed the Christmas card sent by Ivy Tech this year. David Snodgress | Herald-Times
John Whikehart, Chancellor of Ivy Tech in Bloomington, presented Lauryn Lewis with a plaque featuring her design along with some extra cards for her family and fellow classmates. David Snodgress | Herald-Times
Christmas card design by Lauryn Lewis. David Snodgress | Herald-Times
Lauryn Lewis (center) gets a hug from classmates Jazlyn Wright (left) and Makayla Flowers. Lauryn designed the Christmas card used by Ivy Tech this year. David Snodgress | Herald-Times
Copyright: HeraldTimesOnline.com 2012
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
