London Allen, a fifth grader at Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet, received second place in the elementary school level in the 2025 Magnet Schools of America Poster Contest.

The competition highlights magnet schools across the country, and students have the opportunity to express or interpret one of the magnet school pillars or all five. The pillars are: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, high-quality instructional systems, family and community partnerships.

“We’re so proud of London,” Courtney Sims, Leaphart Elementary School principal, 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.”

In the competition, students could compete in one of three levels, divided by grade: elementary, middle and high school. Back in February, online voters chose the top five posters from each level. 

Sara Wheeler, the school district five magnet director, expressed how vital magnet schools are. 

“It shows that our magnet schools are inspiring our students to express themselves and the purpose of magnet schools through artwork,” she said. “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.’’