EAST LANSING, Mich. — A few markers and a bottle of correction fluid were the perfect artistic tools for the winner of the 15th annual Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center holiday card design contest.
Maggie Vance, a senior at Eastern High School in Lansing, drew a unique snowflake design and detailed it with the Michigan State University initials and Spartan emblem.
“My inspiration came from my grandma’s tatted Christmas ornaments,” she said. “I wanted to create a pretty and mature design for the card.”
Vance, daughter of Thad and Patty Vance, of Lansing, is currently in the International Baccalaureate program, National Honor Society, Link Crew (a program that helps acquaint incoming freshmen to Eastern High School) and an art club at Eastern High School.
Vance used to draw when she was younger and participated in art classes offered through MSU. After graduating from high school, Vance will attend Grand Valley State University in Allendale to pursue graphic design. She found out last week that she had won the contest.
“It was a ‘wow’ moment when I found out I had won,” she said. “My name is going to be out there now, and I’m really excited about that. This is a neat opportunity that I’ve been blessed with.”
The card design contest started 15 years ago and sought entries from MSU students. In 2003, the design contest staff asked for submissions from high school students at a selected school and has been doing so since.
“The contest helps bring the Kellogg Center closer to the community,” said Joel Heberlein, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center general manager. “There is a multitude of creativity and talent at local schools in our community, and we hope to highlight that.”
The design will be used by the center to send holiday cards to its mailing list of 1,800 individuals. Vance also received a set of the cards for her personal use and $100.
“Maggie did a beautiful and unique design that incorporated MSU elements and the community,” Heberlein said. “The freehand design gives a pure sense of real graphic design.”
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