Each year, Carroll Community College President Dr. James D. Ball sends a college holiday card to students, faculty and staff, as well as to members of the community and to supporters of the college.

This year, a student competition was held to design the holiday card. Two entries were so compelling that both students were selected for cash awards presented personally to them by the president.

Kari Gillman and Lauren Fritts are the student artists whose work will appear on two separate holiday cards, which will be distributed this December. The theme of the contest was “Celebrating the Season.” The competition was open to all students at the college. Entries were reviewed by judges and the winners were selected based on artistic merit, creativity, ability to translate the theme and ability to follow artwork parameters.

“I was incredibly surprised and excited to hear that Lauren and I won the competition,” said Kari Gillman. “Art is one of my passions and so it’s always an amazing feeling to know that other people enjoy my work. I am honored to share this with Lauren who is such an amazing artist.”

“Winning the contest reinforces why I think and speak so highly of my community college,” said Lauren Fritts. “I am proud to call home a place where my contribution to the arts is valued and encouraged.”

College President Dr. James D. Ball said: “I want to express my deepest appreciation to both Kari and Lauren for the amazing job they both did. As president, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to recognize two of our most talented students. And it will be with great pride that we showcase their work in the official holiday greeting. Kari and Lauren submitted thoughtful and beautifully-artistic entries. I extend my wholehearted congratulations to our students.”

Division Chair, Applied Arts Scott Gore said: “The students at Carroll who participated in the competition submitted very impressive work. However, the work from Kari and Lauren clearly stood out from the rest. Both students are most deserving of this prestigious award.”

Discipline Coordinator of Visual Arts Jessica Hardesty said: “I also want to extend my warmest congratulations to Kari and Lauren. They will never cease to impress me. And if this first competition is any indicator, the college will have many years of excellent student work to review and to showcase.”




From left to right: Scott Gore, division chair; Lauren Fritts, student; Dr. James D. Ball, president; Kari Gillman, student; Jessi Hardesty, faculty member.



Kari Gillman



Lauren Fritts

Back to top