Burien Student's Artwork to be seen by 3.2 million people in Voters' Pamphlet

The following story is courtesy the Washington State Secretary of State’s office: Emily Cain began Wednesday morning at Burien’s Cedarhurst Elementary School like she has many times before it. But what was a routine day for the fourth-grader took a major change around 9:30. Her mom and her little brother unexpectedly entered her classroom. Then walked in a lady she’s never met – Secretary of State Kim Wyman. Standing before Emily, her teacher, Kevin Plough, and her classmates, the Secretary of State explained why she was there – to announce that Emily was the winner of the statewide Kids’ Art Contest. “I could tell Emily had no idea why we were there, which made it really special when I told her she won the contest,” Wyman said. “It was fun to surprise Emily in front of her teacher and classmates with the big news! Congratulations to her and her family!” Emily’s winning artwork, featured above, will be shown in the 3.2 million copies of the statewide General Election Voters’ Pamphlet that will be sent to Washington residents in October. Emily’s drawing and those of the runners-up will be displayed this fall in the Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen’s office in the state Capitol. The annual contest, sponsored by our Elections Division, is for fourth- and fifth-grade Washington students. Nearly 300 students took part this year. The contest prompts a discussion with our youngest citizens about the importance of voting. “We looked at the design and the spirit of the Voting Rights Act, and it was about including everyone. I think her artwork really captured all of those things,” said Secretary Wyman. Emily and her classmates learned about the Voting Rights Act and the importance of voting in school before creating artwork that captured what they learned. Emily and a few of her classmates decided to submit their work in the competition. “The art contest sponsored by the Secretary of State’s office was a wonderful experience for my students,” said teacher Kevin Plough. “It gave them the opportunity to apply their knowledge about voting rights in a most engaging and enriched fashion. Suffice to say, we are so proud of Emily’s accomplishment.” Emily’s winning artwork and other runners-up will be displayed this fall in the state Capitol Building in the Lt. Governor’s office. This is the 14th annual voters’ pamphlet art contest for elementary students. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="475"] Emily Cain with Secretary of State Kim Wyman, her mother Amanda Cain, and teacher Kevin Plough.[/caption]]]>