A young student's artistic talent is set to greet St. Charles County voters throughout 2026, as Celeste Karam, an eighth grader at St. Patrick School in Wentzville, has claimed victory in the "I Voted" sticker contest with a design that embodies the spirit of America's 250th anniversary year. Her winning entry features the bold imagery of an eagle overlaying a hand-drawn American flag, coupled with the commemorative text—a visual celebration tailored for an electoral milestone.
The county-wide competition, which marks its first edition this year, initially drew in over 220 submissions from eager middle school contestants, culminating in a vibrant showcase of youthful creativity and civic pride, the contest, managed by the St. Charles County Election Authority, saw 12 final contenders who rallied to gather a striking sum of more than 12,500 public votes, announcing Celeste's win was Kurt Bahr, the St. Charles County Elections Director, who praised the efforts of all young participants during a surprise school ceremony.
"We appreciate everyone who sent their artwork. We had a lot of great submissions!" Bahr told St. Charles County Newsflash. With Bahr further noting, "Any of the top 12 finalists had an opportunity to win, and we’re exceptionally proud of the work they put into their designs. Congratulations to Celeste!"
As the proud artist behind the chosen sticker, Celeste's design will not only brandish the "I Voted" stickers handed to St. Charles County voters during the triad of elections scheduled for April, August, and November, but her artwork will also gain continuous exposure with a permanent display outside the Election Authority office and at polling places across the county, the anticipation of viewership balloons to a substantial figure given the county's registry of nearly 300,000 voters and moreover, those visiting the Election Authority office throughout the year will be greeted by a comprehensive exhibition of all contest submissions—a testament to the abundant talent and engagement of the county's youth.
The initiative to involve 6th through 8th graders in this civic process started in the fall, with criteria hinging on creative interpretations and an emphasis on the quintessential American anniversary, according to St. Charles County Newsflash.
