IRMO –A Lexington-Richland School District Five student won an award in the 2025 Magnet Schools of America Poster Contest.
London Allen, a fifth grader at Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet, received second place in the elementary school level in the nationwide competition.
“We are so proud of London,” Leaphart Elementary School Principal Courtney Sims said. “We’ve always known how talented she is, now the rest of the country has an opportunity to see how gifted she is as an artist. Her drawing is a beautiful tribute to the diversity that exists within our schools. What a creative way to celebrate the differences among us.”
The contest highlights and promotes magnet schools across the country. This year students had the option to express or interpret one of the magnet school pillars or all five. The pillars are: diversity, innovative curriculum & professional development, academic excellence, high-quality instructional systems, family and community partnerships.
Students compete in one of three levels: elementary, middle and high school level. Online voting took place during National Magnet School Month in February. Voters selected the top five posters from each level. Students had to adhere to the theme as well as provide a clear and concise message. They also voted on originality and organization as well as the use of color and design.
“It is outstanding that School District Five had a student earn a second-place honor in the competition,” said Sara Wheeler, School District Five Magnet Director. “It shows that our magnet schools are inspiring our students to express themselves and the purpose of magnet schools through artwork. Magnet schools serve such an important role in local communities. By creating specialized themed programs, magnet schools bring a wide array of students from varied backgrounds together based on their interests.”
