Sunderland schoolgirl named regional winner in Royal Mail's 'Heroes of the Pandemic' stamp competition

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Artwork by a Sunderland schoolgirl is in the last 24 of a national competition to design a new set of stamps to be issued in the Spring of 2022.

Precious Alexis Maranon, 13, a pupil at St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy, was one of a Guinness world record 606,049 entries from 7,479 schools to enter the Royal Mail competition.

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The competition was open to UK children aged 4-14, to design a stamp to celebrate their “Heroes of the Pandemic”. The year 8 student’s stunning design, created when she was still only 12, shows an NHS worker, Captain Tom Moore and a teacher.

The competition’s designs highlight the role of key workers and others in keeping the UK going.

Artwork by St Anthony's pupil Precious Alexis Maranon is in the last 24 of a competition to design a new stamp, which attracted a world record 606,049 entries.Artwork by St Anthony's pupil Precious Alexis Maranon is in the last 24 of a competition to design a new stamp, which attracted a world record 606,049 entries.
Artwork by St Anthony's pupil Precious Alexis Maranon is in the last 24 of a competition to design a new stamp, which attracted a world record 606,049 entries.

The 24 regional winners were selected by a special judging panel consisting of the family of Captain Tom, Prime Minister Boris Johnston, Baroness Floella Benjamin and Simon Thompson, CEO of Royal Mail.

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Precious, from Plains Farm, has won £500 in gift vouchers and £500 for her school. She now moves to the next stage of the competition and her design may be one of eight to appear on a stamp in 2022.

The final eight designs will be chosen by the Prince of Wales.

Precious said: “I thought I might as well see what I can do with my art skills. I’ve never really entered a competition, so I thought I would give it a try and see how well I can do.

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Precious Alexis Maranon's stunning design could be on UK stamps in 2022.Precious Alexis Maranon's stunning design could be on UK stamps in 2022.
Precious Alexis Maranon's stunning design could be on UK stamps in 2022.

“It’s a picture of people who have really helped during the pandemic. My teachers have encouraged me to still do well. The NHS has been a big part in helping people physically and Captain Tom was a really significant figure and I wanted to include him.

“It’s quite shocking. I’ve never really expected something like this.”

Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of Captain Tom, said: “It was such a joy to be a part of the Heroes of the Pandemic competition, Benjie, Georgia (Captain Tom’s grandchildren) and I were touched to see so many designs from the children of my father.

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“A great effort from all involved and a lovely representation of the key workers during the pandemic.”

Artwork by St Anthony's pupil Precious Alexis Maranon is in the last 24 of a competition to design a new stamp, which attracted a world record 606,049 entries.Artwork by St Anthony's pupil Precious Alexis Maranon is in the last 24 of a competition to design a new stamp, which attracted a world record 606,049 entries.
Artwork by St Anthony's pupil Precious Alexis Maranon is in the last 24 of a competition to design a new stamp, which attracted a world record 606,049 entries.

St Anthony’s deputy head, Michael McDonagh, said: “We’re all very proud of Precious and it reflects well on how art is taught across our whole school.”

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Precious Alexis Maranon impressed the judges with her exquisite stamp design.Precious Alexis Maranon impressed the judges with her exquisite stamp design.
Precious Alexis Maranon impressed the judges with her exquisite stamp design.

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