DoDEA Europe Announces Winners of 2025 Regional Holiday Card Artwork Contest
SEMBACH, Germany — DoDEA Europe has selected three talented student artists as the winners of the 2025 DoDEA Europe Holiday Card Artwork Contest, a new annual tradition that celebrates student creativity while spreading holiday cheer across the region.
Introduced just last year, the holiday card contest has quickly grown in popularity. After receiving only a few submissions in its first year, this year’s participation surged to more than 100 entries.
This year’s contest, led by Dr. Michelle Brahaney, Director for Student Excellence (DSE), invited students from pre-K through 12th grade to submit original winter- or holiday-themed artwork for consideration. The selected designs will be featured on the official DoDEA Europe Holiday Card, shared across schools, districts, military and community partners, and educational leaders throughout Europe.
Participation was strong and enthusiastic, with more than 100 submissions received from schools across all DoDEA Europe districts. A review committee narrowed the entries to the top eight submissions before a guest judge selected the finalists. Dr. Brahaney was so impressed with the top three designs that she chose to feature all three on this year’s printed holiday cards.
2025 Holiday Card Artwork Winners
- Stella N. Feliciano Barreto, Patch Middle School — 8th Grade
- Kassandra Bestoguey, Spangdahlem Middle School — 7th Grade
- Elise Fahey, Naples Elementary School — 5th Grade
Each student’s artwork reflects unique creativity and captures the spirit of the holiday season. Winning artists will receive a certificate of appreciation from Dr. Brahaney, and their names will be proudly credited on the back of the official holiday cards.
“Every year I’m amazed by the talent and imagination of our students, and this year was no exception. The holiday card designs beautifully reflect the spirit, creativity and joy found across our DoDEA Europe schools. I’m incredibly proud to share their artwork with our entire community,” said Dr. Brahaney.
One submission from Patch Middle School student Stella N. Feliciano Barreto also included a heartfelt message to Dr. Brahaney:
“I wanted to share my holiday card with you to spread a little joy and say thank you for everything you do for all of us students. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with happiness, laughter, and good memories with your loved ones.”
DoDEA Europe extends congratulations to the winners and gratitude to every student artist who participated. Planning is already underway for next year’s contest, and all students are encouraged to take part in this cherished annual tradition.
