Announcing the 2011 Lights On Afterschool Poster Contest Winner!

Over 1,000 afterschool artists answered our call and submitted their artwork for the chance to have their design featured on the 2011 Lights On Afterschool poster and win a free trip to Washington, D.C. We were overwhelmed by the talent and creativity we saw from afterschool program participants—some from as far away as Air Force bases in Italy and Japan! 

After much consideration, we are pleased to announce the 2011 Lights On Afterschool poster contest winner: Nicole Tanner from Haltom City, Texas! 

Nicole’s bright, eye-catching painting celebrates the endless possibilities of the afterschool space: everything from engaging STEM activities—like building rockets and learning about computers—to exploring sports, music and art. The artwork will be printed on 70,000 posters sent to afterschool programs from coast to coast to promote local Lights On Afterschoolcelebrations.

Ten-year-old Nicole made the artwork at the Birdville Independent School District’s After School Program Inspiring and Reinforcing Education (BISD ASPIRE), with help from her art teacher, Joshua Wulf. BISD ASPIRE offers enrichment opportunities to complement and build on the school day. In her two years at the program, Nicole has taken advantage of all it has to offer by participating in art design, computer class, guitar and tutorial activities—all of which are elements reflected in her design. Not surprisingly, art class is Nicole’s favorite part of the ASPIRE program, and says that she sees herself becoming an artist in the future.

In addition to having her artwork displayed nationwide as part of the country’s rally for afterschool, the budding artist has earned herself a free trip to Washington, D.C., courtesy ofDestination DC and American Airlines. The trip will be a major milestone for the fifth grader: it will be her first time flying in an airplane. Until now, the farthest Nicole has travelled has been driving across the Texas state line into Oklahoma.

Nicole says she is most excited for her trip to D.C. because “the president lives there!” If she could do anything during her trip, the two things at the top of her to-do list are to visit the Lincoln Memorial and meet President Obama.

Lights On Afterschool will kick off nationally on October 2 at the Capital Criterium bike race on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Nicole’s poster design is making its way to the doorsteps of afterschool programs around the country to help them gear up for Lights On Afterschool. How are you celebrating? Make sure to register your event and let us know. Then, enter the Light Up a Landmark contest to shine a light on the importance of afterschool in your community—you could win up to $5,000!

Stay tuned for updates on Nicole’s trip to the Nation’s Capital!