Geraldton Catholic College student Sophia Pigdon wins school competition for Carols by Candlelight design

One lucky Geraldton student has scored $200 after winning a Carols by Candlelight poster competition, plus the joy of knowing her art will feature in event programs and posters for thousands to see. Sophia Pigdon from Geraldton Catholic College was declared the winner of a secondary school competition that will see her artwork the feature of the 2023 Carols by Candlelight program. The competition gave students the opportunity to have their work featured on promotional posters and event flyers for the popular Carols by Candlelight event in December. The 13-year-old’s artwork consists of a Christmas wreath with doves, flowers and eagle feathers — symbols from both Christian religion and Aboriginal culture that Sophia believes was important to include in her design. “In many different cultures, including Christianity, the dove represents peace and new beginnings,” she said. The eagle feathers are a symbol of peace and friendship in some First Nations culture and the Christmas flowers are related to Jesus’ birth. The art enthusiast said she was excited her work was chosen as the winning entry. “I put a lot of effort into it — researching, painting and then importing it (digitally) — so it’s exciting that it will now be out there for everyone to see,” Sophia said. “Coming up with the idea was the biggest part. I didn’t want it to be mainstream.” She also took home $200 for her design and plans to stash it away rather than spend it. “I will probably save it. I’m not a big spender,” she said. Carols by Candlelight committee member Kim Jackson said the competition theme was celebrating peace, love and joy and Sophia’s creativity was what got her over the line. “It was just so very different. It was refreshing,” he said. Carols by Candlelight will be held on Sunday, December 10, at Maitland Park from 5pm. Mr Jackson said all were welcome to join in “a beautiful way to begin the Christmas season”.