The Greenwood Freedom Festival Committee is pleased to announce the winners of its 2010 “Proud to be an American” T-shirt design contest.

A selection committee reviewed hundreds of entries submitted by area students, looking for creativity, best use of the 2010 theme, “Proud to be an American,” and color selection.

The winning design for the elementary school entries was submitted by Biliana Marcheva, a fourth-grader at Northeast Elementary School in Greenwood. Billie’s design is featured on the front of the 2010 Greenwood Freedom Festival T-shirt. She is the daughter of Mariana Snyder. Billie was born in Varna, Bulgaria, and moved to the United States when she was just six years old. A self-taught artist, Billie also enjoys playing with her friends, riding her bike and watching movies.

The winning design for the middle school entries was submitted by Greenwood Middle School student Hannah Ellington, a seventh-grader. Hannah’s design is featured on the back of the 2010 Greenwood Freedom Festival T-shirt. Hannah is the daughter of Doug and Lisa Ellington. Gabe, Sammy, Luke, Jake and Moriah are her brothers and sisters. Hannah is a member of the Language Arts and Social Studies Academic Team, Spell Bowl, Young Hoosier Book Club, 4-Paws and Mount Pleasant Christian Church.

Both of the award-winning t-shirt design artists will be featured as honored guests in the Greenwood Freedom Festival Parade on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 10 a.m. Official Greenwood Freedom Festival t-shirts may be purchased at the Greenwood Community Center for $10.

These t-shirts may also be purchased on June 26 at the Greenwood Freedom Festival Information Booth, while supplies last. Proceeds from the sale of t-shirts benefit the Greenwood Freedom Festival. For more information about the Greenwood Freedom Festival, please call 881-4545.