Published on December 3, 2025 3:17 pm
Last Updated on December 3, 2025 3:17 pm
The City of Effingham would like to congratulate the three winners of the 5th annual City of Effingham Christmas Card Contest. The city had approximately 80 entries to consider from several Effingham-area schools.
The first-place winner, Samantha Meers, designed the Christmas card the city will use this year. The Christmas card depicts Christmas on the Courthouse Museum lawn. Samantha is in third grade at St. Anthony Grade School and is the daughter of Mike and Ashley Meers.
The second-place winner is Sophia Balda. Sophia is a fourth grader from Central Grade School and is the daughter of Joe and Jessica Balda.
The third-place winner is Anderson Gardner. Anderson is in first grade at South Side School and is the son of Collin and Meredith Gardner.
The winners were recognized at the December 2 City Council meeting. City Commissioner Libby Moeller introduced the winners.
The City truly appreciates everyone who took the time to create and submit a card design. The judges genuinely enjoyed looking at all the wonderful works of art and are looking forward to continuing this festive tradition. You are invited to visit City Hall this holiday season to view all of the entries by the Kindergarten to 4th grade artists, displayed outside of the Council chambers.
