Courthouse pupil 'really proud' to have won Maidenhead MP's Christmas card competition

The winning and highly commended entries to this year’s Christmas card competition have been announced.

Maidenhead MP Josh Reynolds faced a tough decision when he visited the Advertiser’s office in November to see more than 150 designs and make the final decision.

Courthouse Junior School pupil Sofia Dhamani’s card featuring Santa rowing on the River Thames by Maidenhead Bridge came out on top.

While Jasleen Kaur Hothi ad Ayva Hunjan from Highfield Prep School were chosen as the runners up.

The paper originally teamed up with former MP Theresa May more than 20 years ago to host a competition for youngsters across the Royal Borough to design a card to be sent out to politicians, community figures and dignitaries around the world.

The contest takes place each year and as the town’s new MP, Mr Reynolds has continued the tradition. 

Earlier this year, Mr Reynolds invited youngsters aged 11 and under, who live in the Maidenhead constituency, to create a design following the theme of Christmas in Maidenhead.

Commenting on this year’s winning and highly commended designs, he said: “I think the winning design really was the best of Maidenhead.

“Maidenhead Bridge looking at its best, that sort of defining feature of Maidenhead that everyone knows, so I really loved it and the bit of fun with Santa rowing under the bridge as well – it’s that little bit of fun which made it stand out.

“The two honourable mentions - I think were absolutely brilliant as well.

“They both brought something different to the table in terms of Maidenhead.”

Speaking of her design, winner Sofia, 10, said: “The first thing that comes to [mind at] Christmas is probably Santa and then the bridge is the Maidenhead Bridge and people go past it every single day.

“So naturally, that was one of the things that came straight to mind to do.”

She added: “I feel amazing [to have won].

“I feel really proud because there are many people in my class, I know that are really, really good at art and you’d first go to them to think of winning, but to know that I won, it feels like a really big accomplishment.”

Fiona Hayes, head of school at Courthouse Junior School, said: “[I am] so proud.

“Sofia’s a really, really diligent [and] hardworking student.

“We’re so proud – we love art here at Courthouse.

“Music, art, all of that sort of thing – the creative side.

“So, actually for one of our children to win this prize is just brilliant.

“We’re really, really proud.”

The winning design has been sent out to several local businesses, organisations, and charities as well as other MPs and leaders across the world.

It also featured on ‘The Maidenhead Tree’ by Mr Reynolds and his team, which was displayed at St Luke’s Church as part of this year’s Christmas Tree Festival.

Sofia is also receiving a signed copy of her card from the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle.

She is also ‘very happy’ to have won a Legoland family ticket as part of her prize.

Mr Reynolds added: “That will be absolutely brilliant for them to have.

“Thank you to Legoland for being able to provide that ticket for the family.”