Mt. Pleasant 6-Year-Old Wins "My Holiday Wish" Coloring Contest

Edgar Snyder & Associates Recognizes Carter Mates' Wish for Food & Clean Water

Pittsburgh, PA, November 29, 2012 – When asked what his holiday wish was this season, Rumbaugh Elementary School student Carter Mates, age 6, responded "for everyone to have food and clean water." It's a simple wish that is relevant to many here and around the world, especially in the weeks following Hurricane Sandy.

A winner of the 9th Annual Edgar Snyder & Associates "My Holiday Wish" Coloring Contest, Carter was awarded a $100 gift card, part of which he plans to use to make a donation to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Carter's design features a reindeer-inspired water pump pulling a sleigh full of rice, grain, and food ready to deliver to those in need. "My holiday wish is for everyone to have food and clean water" is written in green and red lettering above the illustration.

When asked about his inspiration behind his design, Carter said, "I want people not to get sick and be able to stay healthy."

"I can't believe I won!" Carter exclaimed when he received the call from his teacher Miss Hines announcing that he was one of the contest runners-up. "I did my happy dance."

"Carter has always been interested in art," said Lori Mates, Carter's mother. "He often draws pictures of animals or imaginary creatures. He is currently creating a book about animals and their adaptations. He also enjoys creating things out of Legos."

On November 1st, a panel of judges from across western Pennsylvania selected the winning artists. Judges included: Ashley Andrykovitch of the Carnegie Museum of Art; Tamara Pavlock of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh; and Myrna Rosen of CMU and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts; as well as Kristi Schaefer and Scott Wallace, both of swz design.

The law firm received more than 700 entries to the contest this year.

"The students showed talent and creativity, but what is most impressive is that these young artists have such mature and unselfish holiday wishes," said Attorney Edgar Snyder, who has helped children seriously injured in accidents for the past 40 years. "You'd expect requests for game consoles, toys and puppies, yet we received wishes like peace, hope, food, and happiness."

Carter also enjoys playing soccer and basketball. He is looking forward to the snow this winter so he can go skiing.

Lori Mates has her own special wish for the season. "My holiday wish is for everyone to continue to work together to make Mt. Pleasant a great place to live," she said.

In addition to Mr. Mates, four other students were recognized for their holiday submissions. Réka Götz, 9, of Marshall Elementary School in Wexford was the Grand Prize Winner. Edgar Snyder & Associates donated $1,000 to her school and awarded her with a $250 gift card. The three other runners-up were Bryson Huwar, 8, of Clarion-Limestone Elementary in Clarion; Maggie Knisely, 10, of Claysburg-Kimmel Elementary School in Claysburg; and Emma Kraus, 10, of Paynter Elementary in Baldwin-Whitehall. Each runner-up received a $100 gift card and their artwork appears on the Edgar Snyder & Associates holiday greeting card.

To view all of the students' winning artwork, visit www.edgarsnyder.com/coloringcontest or www.facebook.com/EdgarSnyderAssociates. Edgar Snyder & Associates is a law firm representing injury victims and people with disabilities, with offices in Altoona, Ebensburg, Erie, Johnstown, and Pittsburgh.