For 31 years, hundreds of student artists across Southern Nevada have created art with one goal in mind — be featured in the Silver State Schools Credit Union Happy Times Calendar.
The best of the best pieces from each grade from Kindergarten through seniors in high school are showcased with each winner’s art featured in one month of the calendar and on the cover.
The call for entries goes out at the beginning of the school year, leaving only a month for students and art instructors to bring creations to life. The theme is always the same — show us what makes you happy. For some, that’s Christmas with family, a special vacation or time spent playing outdoors.
The group of judges, made up of Silver State Schools Credit Union employees have the daunting task of reviewing each piece and selecting the 13 winners.
The work of the winners are featured in SSSCU’s main branch’s lobby, framed on the wall. Students are recognized at a presentation at their school, receive their art piece framed and a $100 prize. The winning art instructor receives $100 to put towards their classroom.
Each SSSCU member receives one free calendar and additional can be purchased for $1, with proceeds going towards Children’s Miracle Network.
“Our members look forward to receiving their Happy Times Calendar each December. It’s a heartwarming tradition that we take great pride in continuing,” said Rebecca Freeman, AVP of marketing. “The student’s creativity and artistic talent never cease to amaze our judges. It’s an honor to share their pieces with the community.”
The 2017 Happy Times Calendar winners are:
Cover: Ethan Coppedge, 9th grade Desert Oasis High School; Instructor: Jared Ogden
January: Becca Rice, 10th grade Foothill High School; Instructor: Sarah Plough
February: Charlotte Bonney, 6th grade, Rogich Middle School; Instructor: Jackie Ririe
March: Michelle Ceja Villasenor, 4th grade, Claude Perkins Elementary School; Instructor: Cindy McDonald
April: Daven Sohng, 8th grade, Coral Academy of Science; Instructor: Kathy Kubik
May: Zitalick Garcia, 1st grade, Robert E. Lake Elementary School; Instructor: Tammie Gallimore
June: Yuritzi Tlaseca Rodriguez, Kindergarten, Robert E. Lake Elementary School; Instructor: Tammie Gallimore
July: Yahir Cardenas, 3rd grade, Claude Perkins Elementary School; Instructor: Cindy McDonald
August: Riley Ventura, 5th grade, Kathy L. Batterman Elementary School; Instructor: Kim Jeter
September: Victoria Hall, 11th grade, Shadow Ridge High School; Instructor: Cynthia Wulfsberg
October: Sidney Wallis, 12th grade, Bonanza High School; Instructor: Hildy Faultersack
November: Ruby Chung, 2nd grade, Neil C. Twitchell Elementary School; Instructor: Marc Luu
December: Jasmine Chung, 7th grade, Bob Miller Middle School; Instructor: Jennifer Seitz
Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who participated!
