Winners at primary school reap big winnings

The Incredible Christmas Place of Pigeon Forge played the role of Santa and distributed four-$250 awards to the top schools that submitted art projects. Knox, Blount, Jefferson and Sevier County had participants from kindergarten through second grade that presented drawings for judging. Sevierville Primary student Emily Qualkenbush received the grand prize for the county. Qualkenbush, a second grader at the school composed a drawing of the nutcracker and the sugar plum fairy made with pencil and marker. Her school will receive a $250 contribution to their art department. The eight year old appeared calm upon receiving her award, but once she realized she obtained a $25 gift certificate to The Christmas Place, she beamed from ear to ear. “I want to buy art supplies,” she chattered. “Art is my favorite subject.” Art instructor, Ivy Smelcer is a first year teacher and is very excited about the award. “I plan on purchasing markers and weaving supplies, but the students will have an input on how the remainder of the money is spent,” she said. Smelcer, who also teaches art at Pigeon Forge Middle School, is very proud of Qualkenbush. “She is very artistically talented,” she commented. “The drawings looked like the real thing!” The best of school winners were Kara Francis from Northview Elementary and Dallas Bush from Sevierville Primary. All of the student winners will receive special prize packages from The Incredible Christmas Place that include a photo and CD from the Christmas Place Santa. The winning artwork will be on display at the business through the holidays.