A young artist’s vision is bringing joy across Alpine School District this season. Seventh grader Saige Loflin of Sage Canyon Middle School has been named the winner of the Alpine School District Holiday Card Contest. Her artwork was selected in late November from nearly 70 student submissions representing schools and grade levels from across the district. The card featuring her winter scene was mailed in early December to state officials, legislators, neighboring school districts, and every school within Alpine School District.
“I love to create art and I am excited, and a little nervous, to enter my art in this contest,” Saige wrote in her original artist statement. Students were invited to submit artwork in any medium as long as it was horizontal and created without artificial intelligence tools. Saige chose a digital medium, using Procreate on her iPad to design a festive winter streetscape that celebrates the season.
The illustration features three gingerbread-style homes trimmed with holiday lights, frosted roofs, and bright windowpanes in warm yellows, reds, and pinks. A cheerful snowman in a top hat stands between the houses, flanked by stylized evergreen trees dusted with white. A red sleigh rests in the snow in the foreground, completing a scene that conveys warmth, whimsy, and the charm of a winter village. Saige’s piece stood out for its clarity, cohesiveness, and visual storytelling.
“I’m so excited about it,” Saige said when asked how it felt to win. “It makes me feel like I have a little more confidence in my artwork and gives me an idea of what I can accomplish.”
Her artwork not only showcases her creativity but illustrates the district’s commitment to Student-centered experiences, ensuring that students can explore, express, and elevate their talents in meaningful ways. District leaders continue to shape opportunities that keep students at the center of policy, practice, and celebration.
Saige received formal recognition at the December 9 Alpine School District Board Meeting. She was the only student from the contest invited to attend the meeting, where she was honored for her winning entry. Fourteen additional finalists from across the district received congratulations and a small prize, but Saige alone received district-level recognition. At the meeting, she was presented with a framed copy of her artwork, ten printed holiday cards for personal use, and a certificate from the district. Her family attended and celebrated the achievement with her.
“I’m really excited for her,” said her mother, Lauri Loflin. “It lets her feel confident and see that she can do things like this and show her talent. She’s always drawing and coloring, and I’m proud of her.”
Saige independently chose to enter the contest—her first-ever art competition—demonstrating both initiative and confidence in her creative abilities. While Sage Canyon Middle School did not play a formal role in her submission, the accomplishment reflects the supportive environments ASD schools strive to provide for young learners.
“I thought it would be fun to do… I love to do art,”Said Saige.
The Holiday Card featuring student art has been an ASD tradition for several years and will continue next year, ahead of the district’s planned split in 2027. Each year, the contest helps highlight student voices, encourage artistic development, and strengthen community connection.
“We are proud of Saige and thrilled to see her art represent our district,” Added Karen Ashman, Communications Specialist at Alpine School District. ASD will continue to create and promote opportunities where student work is valued, celebrated, and shared widely with the community.