Ruby Cornelius, a fifth grader at Prescott Elementary School, was named the winner, with her crayon picture of a house decorated in Christmas lights enduring a cold winter’s night. She has won the contest for the second year in a row because she happened to be in the eligible grades in both years.  Five judges chose the winner without knowing the names of those who created each card. 

Cornelius’ picture will be displayed as a print in the lobby at both Prescott banks, the Bank of Delight and Farmers Bank & Trust. 

The runner-up this year was Leyla Zacarias, who was the runner-up last year as well.  At the ceremony today Cornelius was present to accept her prize, her card in a nice frame. Zacarias was not present and will be given her award later. 

Hamilton Haven is a nonprofit organization founded in 2020 to provide short-term housing for families who have lost their homes as they work to obtain a more permanent replacement residence. 

Co-founder Michelle Hamilton-Rhodes was present to help announce the winners and present the prizes, as was Leslie Hughes, volunteer and Administrative Assistant with the organization. Also present were Shelby Burke, who helped promote the contest to students, Kelvin Jackson, a friend of Haven House, Valerie Cobb, Communications Director of Prescott Public Schools, and Prescott Junior High Principal Jay Turley.

This year’s card contest was for grades five and six and drew about 17 participants, who each will also receive a prize. Next year, seventh- and eighth-graders will be eligible.