As has become our tradition, the judges have decreed a tie for first place.

One of the first-place winners is Lily Wittman, a sixth-grader at St. Francis/Holy Ghost School in Jerseyville. Her depiction of the Nativity of the Lord appears on this week's cover.

The other first-place winner is Pamela Tacud, a sixth-grader at Our Lady of Lourdes School, Decatur. Pamela's artwork will appear on the cover of the Jan. 1 issue of Catholic Times, in honor of the upcoming celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Both winners will receive a $25 check from Catholic Times.

Honorable mentions, shown here and on page 12, are from Paul Esker, a fourth-grader from St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Dieterich; Evan D'Aguanno, a first-grader at St. Agnes School in Springfield; Isaiah Daiber, a fifth-grader from Mother of Dolors Parish in Vandalia; kindergartener Melissa Brummer of Bishop Creek, a member of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Dieterich; and Veronica Hein, a fourth-grader at Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur.

Again, many thanks to all the young artists who shared their Christmas spirit with us, and to the parents and teachers who helped them.

Merry Christmas to all, from the staff at Catholic Times.

— Kathie Sass, editor

First Place

Honorable Mentions

Additional Judge's Favorites