Libby student’s artwork on Voters Pamphlet cover

What began as an optional social studies project for 11-year-old Hanna Myers, turned into an award-winning art design that will grace the cover of this year’s Washington State Voters Pamphlet. The pamphlet will be sent to more than 3 million households across the state.

In May, Secretary of State Sam Reed came to Spokane Public School’s Libby Center, 2900 E. First Ave., where Hannah attended fifth grade, to announce that her design had been chosen from among 200 finalists.

Fourth- and fifth-graders throughout the state were encouraged to submit designs for the cover. The only requirement was that the design had to contain the words “Let Freedom Ring.”

Hannah said that her teacher, Kristy Masteller, gave her social studies class an assignment to come up with a design. They were learning about the voting process in class at the time.

The students had the option to enter their design in the contest.

“There’s no downside to entering an art contest,” said Hannah.

Hannah’s colorful red, white and blue design encourages people to vote.

“I really like eagles and nature,” said Hannah. The eagle is on the backdrop of the flag, which has an accurate number of stripes and stars.

“I don’t draw often. When the principal called my name, I was really surprised,” Hannah said. “There’s another extremely good artist at the school. I didn’t think it would be me.”

Hannah, the daughter of Dr. Paul and Lori Myers, is a student in the school’s Odyssey Program for gifted children.

When her name was announced, she walked up, accepted the award and received a copy of the pamphlet’s cover that is now framed in the family room of her home.

Hannah’s name, school and grade will be listed on the inside of the voter’s pamphlet.