Over 100 area pastors received a special thank-you card this week from ACS in appreciation of their critical role as spiritual mentors and servant-leaders for ACS students, faculty, and staff. The artwork on the card’s cover was designed by 8th grader Makayla Tomlinson, who took first place in a new student art contest.
“Each year, our students and staff look forward to Pastor Appreciation Day — a time when we enjoy fellowship over breakfast, worship and learn from God’s Word at chapel, and spend time talking and taking photos together,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “However, due to health and safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to hold Pastor Appreciation Day in person here at the school. The thank-you card was a unique way we could show our pastors that we love and appreciate them and each card was signed by the students who attend their church.” In addition to the card, pastors also received a photo of the kindergarten through 12th grade student or students who attend their church.
Makayla’s cover design took first place out of 20 student entries in a contest that art teacher Sherry Mirakian said will now be held annually. Makayla created her design using markers and pen over a 5-week period during Middle School Art Class in January and February. The wording on the cover says: “Thank you for doing what God has made you to do.” High school students in Mrs. Mirakian’s Art Workshop Class also designed artwork for the cover of the card.
During Upper School chapel on March 10, Makayla and four other students who took 2nd through 5th place in the contest were recognized by Mrs. Mirakian for their artistic talents and presented with ribbons. A video displaying the images of the five top cards was also shown as part of the chapel presentation.
The top five contest winners, pictured at right, were: 8th grader Makayla Tomlinson, 1st place; 8th grader Jadelyn Maurer, 2nd place; 8th grader Ava Nixon, 3rd place; 12th grader Katherine Kong, 4th place; and 11th grader Hyeonjin (Isaac) Choi, 5th place.
The top five cover art designs are pictured below.
