That’s why it has become a tradition here at The Register to have drawing contests for elementary school students during those times of the year, when children can use their young imaginations to express the meaning of these special seasons. The results are sometimes surprising and always interesting.

This year’s Easter drawing contest was no different and as usual the judges had a tough time selecting winners in each of the three categories. After a year of COVID that hit schools as hard as any other sector, we expected there might be fewer entries, but that wasn’t the case, with close to 200 drawings, the vast majority entering through our website. Just a sampling of the children’s artistry is displayed on these pages.

Grade 7-8

Rhianna John’s drawing of Mary Magdalene seeing Jesus outside the tomb was the winner among Grade 7-8 entrants. For the 12-year-old student from Our Lady of Lourdes in Brampton, Ont., it is the second time she has earned top marks from our judges. She also won our Christmas drawing contest just a few months ago.

Rhianna John, Grade 7 (Winner)

Zoe Close, Grade 7

Dimiana Saeed, Grade 8

Marissa Walter, Grade 8

Alex Elias, Grade 7

Grade 1-3

In the Grade 1-3 category, the winner is seven-year-old Yohanan Laurie of Etobicoke, Ont., who depicted Christ leaving His tomb, arm outstretched in peace and welcome.

Yohanan Laurie, Grade 1 (Winner)

Olivia McCarthy, Grade 3

Isiah Carr, Grade 1

Brielle Bouabre, Grade 2

Louisa Marie Kremer, Grade 3

Molly Armstrong, Grade 3

Grade 4-6

In the Grade 4-6 category, nine-year-old Vivian Guo of Nepean, Ont., earned praise for her colourful drawing of a smiling Jesus greeting the Easter morning.

Vivian Guo, Grade 4 (Winner)

Holly Loiselle, Grade 5

Addison Lalonde, Grade 6

Cali Hannan, Grade 4

Isabella Fraboni, Grade 6

Daiva Cels, Grade 5

Brie-Lyne Deguire, Grade 4

Each of the category winners will receive $75 in Amazon gift certificates.

Thank you and Happy Easter to all the participants.