Payson Lane Bassett won a drawing contest, held by Run Seal Beach, for the design of this year’s Kid’s Fun Run T-shirt.
Payson is nine years old and is currently a fourth grader at McGaugh Elementary School in Ms. Duncan’s classroom. Payson loves to play soccer, swim and participate in rodeos during the summer months.
Her idol is Alex Morgan and she loves to listen to Taylor Swift. In her spare time at home she loves to draw, put on concerts and play with friends. Payson has a 3-year old brother named John.
The committee received nearly 40 entries this year from children attending elementary schools within the Los Alamitos School District. Young artists were asked to depict this year’s Fun Run theme, “Party at the Pier!” Heidi Vinatieri, who is serving as the Kid’s Fun Run Chair for her second year, announced the winner of the kid’s t-shirt contest last week during an assembly at McGaugh Elementary School.
“I want to thank all of the parents, teachers, and principals in the District who helped put on our t-shirt design contest this year, especially McGaugh Principal Mrs. Ellis,” said Vinatieri.
As the winner of the contest, Payson’s design will be lightly embellished by a graphic artist and displayed on the front of the Kid’s Fun Run t-shirts this year. In addition, she will get to host a private pool party for her family and friends this Summer at the McGaugh swimming pool. On race day, Payson will have the opportunity to either run with her fellow Kid’s Fun Run runners or head up the Fun Run in the start car with Sammy, the Seal!
Upon completion of the Kid’s 1K Fun Run, young runners will be funneled into the Kid’s Fun Zone, a safe and fun environment with lots of volunteers, face painting, balloon hats, crafts, games and best of all … popsicles, courtesy of Cold Stone Creamery on Main Street in Seal Beach. The Fun Zone gives parents the opportunity to run in the 5K or 10K race with the knowledge that their kids are being watched over and having a great time.
When asked what drew the t-shirt design committee to Payson’s artwork, Heidi replied, “It was a tough decision with so many entries from talented kids, but in the end, Payson’s clever depiction of the theme, ‘Party at the Pier’ won over all of the judges.
The Run Seal Beach 1K, 5K and 10K race through Old Town Seal Beach takes place in three weeks, on Saturday, April 6. For more information and to register, go to www.runsealbeach.com.
