On Thursday, April 28, 2011, Athena Cimafranca, Oxnard resident and first grade student from Julien Hathaway Elementary School, has been declared the winner of the 2011 California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Design Contest.

A total of 734 students from school districts in Oxnard, Hueneme, and Ocean View, grades K-6, submitted entries in what has become a much-anticipated annual tradition among local schools. Cimafranca’s winning design boasts a “happy strawberry,” complete with eyelashes, a brimming smile, and high top sneakers. During a special surprise pizza party presentation at her classroom courtesy of the California Strawberry Festival, Cimafranca was honored with a gift certificate of $100 while a $50 gift certificate was awarded to her teacher. She and her entire family will also be esteemed guests of the festival on May 21 & 22 where her eye-catching design will adorn youth T-shirt merchandise available at the souvenir tent.

“Athena was especially gloomy on the day of this assignment because her dad who serves in the U.S. Navy, just left for eight weeks of training,” said Sarah Puglisi, Hathaway School Teacher. “She was missing him already, so I suggested that she draw something cheerful to help lift her spirits.” said Puglisi. A terrific student who tries hard and takes pride in her work, young Cimafranca now has lots to smile about.
Recognition also goes to standouts in respective grade levels. Any student who participated in the contest received a free ticket to the festival.

As an outreach program, the California Strawberry Festival Youth Art Contest encourages art activities and study plans that salute the celebration and the industry so vital to the area.

The 2011 California Strawberry Festival is May 21 & 22, 2011 from 10 AM to 6:30 PM, at Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 South Rose Avenue. For more information and advance tickets, log onto www.strawberry-fest.org

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