The annual Cooper-Levenson holiday card contest for 2024 has awarded artwork from five students, including Marlton Middle School’s Kendall McAndrew, a sixth-grader chosen from hundreds of entries among New Jersey schools.
The Cherry Hill law firm’s holiday art contest is designed to engage students in the arts as well as help raise awareness of its chosen charity, Let Us Eat, Please, a line highlighted on the cards.
The Cooper-Levenson cards note that in lieu of corporate gifts, the firm makes a contribution to Let Us Eat, Please, an organization that provides boxes of food to families eligible for the federal free or reduced-fee meal program at school. It also provides food over winter break in school districts where there is a high percentage of students in the federal program.
Let Us Eat, Please was founded by James L. Cooper, Cooper-Levensen’s founding partner, when he learned from his daughter, a teacher, about New Jersey children regularly attending school hungry.
“It is a privilege to honor these talented young people who shared the real meaning of the holiday season in their drawings,” said Kenneth J. Calemmo, the firm’s COO. “We know their artwork will bring a smile to everyone who receives a Cooper-Levenson holiday card this year.”
McAndrew was cited by the Evesham Township Board of Education at its Jan. 30 meeting. Superintendent Dr. Justin Smith commended the school’s annual efforts, comparing the record to that of a sports dynasty for having a contest winner each year for the past decade.
“Congrats, Kendall,” Smith said. “I just want to say this streak, I think it was the (Red) Auerbach (Boston) Celtics (NBA team) that won 10 straight championships, but I think Marlton Middle School now has 10 straight winners, which is an amazing feat. A dynasty.”
Winning students get a $50 gift card and a plaque featuring their design. The students’ teachers – in McAndrew’s case, Kate Gormley – get a $100 gift card to use for art-class supplies or a celebration, along with a plaque featuring the card to display in the winning schools.
The other art contest winners are:
- Alex Ebert, 8th grade, Egg Harbor City
- Charlie Rieder, 5th grade, Hammonton
- Caroline Poldolski, 7th grade, Hamilton Township
- Steven Williams, 8th grade, Upper Deerfield School District
