Christmas card.
Grade 6 student Catherine Houle and Cumberland Coun. Stephen Blais hold a framed copy of the picture Catherine drew to be used on Blais’ annual Christmas card.
Grade 6 student Catherine Houle’s drawing was chosen for Cumberland Coun. Stephen Blais’ annual Christmas card.
Catherine attends Reine-des-bois elementary school in Orléans, where her mom is also a teacher.
Her own teacher told the students about the drawing contest and she decided to enter, completing several drafts of her drawing at home before creating the final copy.
She likes doing different art projects and painting, and said that she may attend the art specialty program at Béatrice-Desloges high school in a few years, though she wants to follow a different track and be an eye doctor when she grows up.
“I was just excited,” Catherine said about being chosen for the councillor’s annual contest.
It’s the seventh year that Blais has held the competition for local grade school students.
The card was sent via email this year to community leaders, school officials, family, friends and residents from Cumberland and across Ottawa.
When Catherine’s mom told her that the card was going to 3,500 people, Catherine had a big smile, along with a surprise surprise.
Her picture depicts a livingroom with three stockings hanging above a burning fireplace and presents under the tree, as well as a bright red couch, similar to the one her family recently purchased.
“The design is a classic Christmas scene,” Blais said. “There is nothing like sitting around the tree, fire burning, as we enjoy spending time with family and friends.”
Catherine is active outside of school and plays for the Gloucester Cumberland Devils ringette team. She’s been a good student this year, so she’s hoping to be on Santa’s nice list and that he brings her a ringette team jacket.