Evie’s Christmas card design buzzes with creativity

The importance of bees to the wellbeing of our planet was the inspiration for hundreds of pupils in the University of Hull’s annual Christmas card competition for local schools.

The winning design for the Vice-Chancellor’s Christmas card competition was created by Evie Thompson, aged 11, from Thanet Primary School

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, invited hundreds of children from local primary schools to draw a special Christmas card for the competition, organised through Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University.

Professor Petley said: “I am delighted to congratulate Evie, aged 11, on her wonderful drawing which will feature on my Christmas card this year. Her design not only features a Christmas tree – which has been very carefully drawn and coloured in – but also some colourful bees wearing bright red Santa hats – as decorations!

“There’s a star on top of the Christmas tree and a couple of snowflakes too – which altogether make a lovely Christmas Card.”

The winner, Evie, a Year 6 pupil, said: “My two main interests are drawing and football and I just love being creative.

“I entered the competition and then kind of forgot about it so I felt really excited when I was announced as the winner.

“I’m really proud to learn that my card will be been sent all around the world. Thank you for the prize  – I’m looking forward to getting creative with it!”

Natasha Barley, Director at Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, said: “It’s always such a joy to run the Vice-Chancellor’s annual Christmas card competition.

“The standard of entries was very high this year so I know the Vice-Chancellor will have had a difficult time choosing his favourite.

“Evie did a wonderful job creating such a beautiful design and was excited to find out she was the winner. A big thank you to all the schools who took part.” 

Julie Shortman, deputy head teacher at Thanet Primary School, said: “”We really value giving our children the opportunity to try different experiences and Children’s University offers lots of chances to support us with this.

“Whether that’s sporting, creative, academic or team building, we aim to unlock something in every child that they feel they can succeed at. We’re delighted that Evie has been chosen as the winner of the Christmas card competition!”

“Professor Petley said: “This is my first Christmas as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull – so it’s the first time I have selected a Christmas card in our annual competition for schools.

“It has been such a pleasure to see all the different designs created by the children and it is clear to me that creativity is thriving in our region’s schools.

“I wish to thank all the schools, teachers and pupils who have taken part in our competition this year – and am so pleased there has been a great response.

“Highlighting the importance of bees to the wellbeing of our planet is close to my heart. At the University of Hull, we are focused on sustainability and securing a fairer, brighter and carbon neutral future for future generations. This year, I shall be delighted to be sending Evie’s Christmas Card – which is a lovely way to encourage people to take a moment to recognise the importance of these wonderful insects.”