The recent St. Patrick’s Day holiday brought luck to all, but perhaps it gave one young Wilton boy a bit more. That’s when 8-year-old Christian McLaughlin marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC as recognition for winning an art competition sponsored by the Consulate General Of Ireland in New York. Open to students ages 6-16, the criteria was to create a piece of art, 8 inches-by-11 inches , using paints, colored pencils, crayons or markers.
There were hundreds of entries submitted in three age groups, 6-8 year olds , 9-12 year olds and 13-16 year olds. Young Christian, a third grader at Our Lady of Fatima school, placed second in his group.
The competition was created to promote understanding and knowledge about the story of St. Patrick, especially for children. According to the consulate’s website, it’s designed “to encourage children to reflect on the meaning of St. Patrick’s Day as well as the depth and breadth of Irish culture and traditions in the United States and around the world.”
Christian was invited to march in Monday’s parade with the American-Irish Teachers Association. According to his mom, Andrea, he marched up 5th Avenue from 48th St. to 78th St., “waving to onlookers and enjoying the view. He felt very special, and had an exciting day.”
The young man himself, however, is a man of few words: “It was awesome.”
Not only did Christian get to march in the parade, but he will also be recognized by having his artwork professionally framed and hung in the Children’s Museum of Arts in Manhattan. The artwork of all winning children will be displayed during the museum’s Irish Festival.
In addition, the winners will also be invited to New York City in April for an Art Masterclass with renowned artist Robert Berry.
Christian’s mom, Andrea, said the experience has made him feel very special. “I am very excited for him. The whole experience has been a real boost to his self-esteem. I have always encouraged all my children to participate in creative competitions, as you never know when you might win one. Sometimes they need a little nudge getting started. But they feel very gratified when they come up with an original idea, complete it, and are happy with the end product.”