The winners of the 2025 Austin Trail of Lights Essay & Illustration Contest have been announced. The contest was open to fourth and fifth grade students in the Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD). Participants were asked to submit entries on the theme: “Draw a picture of the one gift you would like to give to everyone in the world. Explain what the gift is, why you chose it, and how it would help people.”
Luis (Junior) Dimas, a fourth-grade student from Barbara Jordan Elementary, won the grand prize for his entry. His teacher, Ms. Andrea Pearson, was also recognized. Other finalists include Serhan Hossain, a fourth grader at Bear Creek Elementary whose entry was titled “The Empathy Stone” and whose teacher is Ms. Christina Mantica; and Arthur Burnham, a fifth grader from Zavala Elementary School with an entry titled “The Gift of Food,” taught by Mr. Jorge Dominguez.
Luis will be given the honor of turning on the lights at the 2025 Austin Trail of Lights Grand Opening Ceremonies on December 10. All three finalists are invited to attend the ceremony and will be recognized for their achievements.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners,” organizers said in a statement.
To view entries from these finalists, interested parties are encouraged to review them through official channels.
