Green Bay Packers feature PBHS student’s artwork

One Poplar Bluff High School senior received the chance of a lifetime to have her artwork displayed at the Green Bay Packers stadium.

Kaylee-Ann Merrick entered a national contest to have her artwork displayed at the stadium for a year. As a result of winning the contest, the Poplar Bluff art department has been awarded $5,000 and Merrick was flown out to Lambeau Field in Wisconsin.

Merrick was named the secondary grade level winner in the Packers Student Art Contest, which also included a junior high and college division. She learned about the contest themed ‘The Next 100 Seasons of Packers Football’ at the end of last school year via the organization’s official Instagram.

“My artwork shows a football player catching the Lombardi Trophy, but this isn’t just any football player, it’s you,” wrote Merrick with her winning entry. “…For the next 100 seasons, the team may change or perhaps the rules may change, but one thing will remain consistent, and that is the dedication of the Packers fan base.”

Last month, Merrick and her family were flown out to Lambeau Field for the unveiling of her art when she and the other student winners met Packers CEO Mark Murphy and toured the stadium.

She credits her art teacher, Meg Daniels, for the encouragement.

“I couldn’t have done it without you and your amazing teaching,” stated Merrick in an email to Daniels over the summer. “You are truly an amazing teacher and your constant support has fueled me to keep trying and keep doing better.”

In return, Daniels was highly complimentary of Merrick’s personal drive. “This young lady is so deserving and it couldn’t have gone into better hands,” the teacher commented.

While it has yet to be determined how the grant money will best be utilized, Daniels said some possibilities include purchasing each student a set of paintbrushes; buying larger ticket items such as a new ceramic wheel, slab table, wedging table or pug mill; or bringing in successful guest artists to inspire creativity.