Creekland Middle's Haley Ewald Wins Contest, Meets Jimmy Carter

UPDATED 10:38 a.m.: Comments from Haley's art teacher, Melodie Moore, have been included.

Haley Ewald beat out every other sixth grader in the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site postcard art contest, and she got to meet the former president.

More than 8,000 students participated in the statewide contest, which had the theme "Digging Peanuts in Plains." Ewald, a sixth-grade student at Creekland Middle School, attended an awards ceremony held at the Peanut Festival in Plains. She met former President Jimmy Carter, who presented her with a medal and autographed a book for her.

"We  are so excited and proud of Haley," said her school's principal, Dr. Deborah D. Wiseman. "She was invited to the festival to have her picture taken with President Carter. Her postcard is on display now at Plains High School through January of 2013."

For those who aren't going to make it to Plains, Wiseman said the postcard can be seen online under "In the Spotlight."

Wiseman said Haley's postcard was entered into the contest by her art teacher, Melodie Moore.

Moore said this contest has a special connection to Georgia, as it is sponsored by The Jimmy Carter Center. She encouraged all students to enter.

"Haley is a very talented young lady and I was not surprised that she won, she has such a deep enthusiasm for art. Haley  treats every art project seriously and has an enormous amount of fun at the same time," Moore said. "Haley was thrilled to meet Jimmy Carter and plans to pursue art!"

Haley's success will be recognized by the Cherokee County School Board and the Superintendent of Schools at the Oct. 18 School Board meeting.