Diplomatic design

Casey MP Tony Smith, sister Pierra Van Sparkes, mum Lisa Hodgson and teacher Hayley Bawden with Grace Hodgson and her winning card. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

By JESSE GRAHAM

DIXONS Creek Primary School student Gracie Hodgson will have her work in the hands of the Prime Minister before Christmas after winning her school’s card-designing competition.
Gracie, a Grade 2 student, won a competition to design a Christmas card for Casey MP Tony Smith, and Mr Smith personally congratulated the student on 12 December at the school.
As a result of winning the competition, Gracie’s design will be sent to more than 2000 people, including Mr Smith’s parliamentary colleagues, such as Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Her design was picked by Mr Smith after the top 10 designs were sent to him – five other high-ranking designs will feature on the back of the card as runners up.
Dixons Creek Primary School principal Sharon Walker said she was proud of Gracie for winning the competition.
“I think it’s fabulous that our federal politicians are acknowledging the work that goes on in small schools,” Ms Walker said.
“Gracie is a little girl and it will be something she will remember until the day she dies – the whole school was there, and most of the parents, to celebrate that she won.
“We’re very proud.”