Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Tamarac student bags winning design
What does South Florida nature look like?
For12-year-old JordanHessler, it’s a canvas of clouds, the sun, palm trees and a bobbing boat.
His vision is emblazoned on tote bags nowfor sale at Whole FoodsMarket in Coral Springs. The boywon a contest in which 20 local children expressed their interpretation of South Florida nature through art.
“Iamvery excited and proud,’’ said Jordan, ofTamarac, where he attends Millennium Middle School. “It think it’s really cool.”
Childrenwere asked to create their designs the day of the contest, March 30. The sixth-grader and his mom, Jodi Hessler, happened to be shopping when a store employee invited him to participate.
“Once he said [itwas about] drawing, Jordan said sure,” hismomrecalled.“We registered. We decided itwould be something fun to do to showhis creativity.”
The children’s drawingswere then displayed at the Coral Springs store, 810 University Drive, where about100 customers voted on their favorite design. The storewas the only location to hold the contest, according to local company spokesman Jeremy Jones.
“Customers felt that his [drawing] spoke to their hearts, if you will, to what their idea of naturewas in South Florida,’’ Jones said. “All the kids did a fantastic job. Itwas a win-win for all the kids.”
In addition to the honor, Jordan received a $25 store gift card and, of course, a free tote.
Hessler encouraged her son to participate because he loves to drawanime art and comics in his sketch book. At his school, he is member of a drawing club that focuses on Japanese art and comic books.
“Iamso proud of him, it’s so surreal,’’ Hessler said. “You do a drawing and you never imagine this is going to happen. We had no idea itwas going to develop into this.”
The tote bags have been sale for $7.99 sinceApril 22, whichwas EarthDay. Fromeach sale, $2 benefits the Whole Kids Foundation, which helps schools and supports families in ending childhood obesity. The bags will be available at the store only, while supplies last.