Seasonal surprise for creative Chester student

Dec 3 2009 By James Shepherd

Competition winner Rachael Thomas receives her prize from Dr Dorothy Marriss, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, with Heather Hay, Learning Coach, Vicky Da Silva, and Natalie Parrin, Senior Book Seller from John Smiths.

The festive season came early for Rachael Thomas when she learnt that her artwork had been selected as the University of Chester’s official Christmas card.

The Year 7 student at the University of Chester Church of England Academy, Ellesmere Port, used coloured paper to make a collage spelling out the word ‘Noel.’

In addition to having her design printed and sent to thousands of University contacts, has won a £50 voucher, courtesy of the campus bookshop, John Smith’s, to spend on books, art materials or stationery.

Eleven-year-old Rachael, from the Rossmore Estate in Ellesmere Port, said: “I love drawing and this was an idea which I came up with after my Mum suggested I should enter the competition.

“I’m really excited to think that a card with my name on it will be seen by so many people from all over the world and it was great to go to the University to see what the design looked like in print.”

Dr Dorothy Marriss, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, which is the Academy’s Lead Sponsor, added: “Rachael’s card is simple, but effective. I am delighted that she took the time to create this and wish her well during her time at the Academy and wherever her future career takes her.”

By coincidence, Rachael’s teacher Vicky Da Silva, who is Head of Art at the Academy’s North Campus, is also a University of Chester graduate. She said: “I’m really pleased for Rachael that she has earned this prize and was able to have a brief taste of what the University campus was like when she was presented with it.”