CANTON -- Melissa Wallace of Potsdam was recently chosen as the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES holiday card contest winner for her “spin art” card.

Each year, District Superintendent Thomas Burns sends holiday cards on behalf of the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES. This year, the district office asked for art submissions by BOCES students. All classrooms were invited to submit pieces of student artwork, with the selection of the winner based on “people’s choice.”

All artwork submitted has been on display at the Educational Services Center in Canton since the official opening event Dec. 3. Of the contest submissions, eight were selected as finalists and posted on the BOCES Facebook page.

The artwork that received the most “likes” was chosen as the 2015 holiday card cover. Wallace's submission received 239 likes on Facebook at the conclusion of the contest Dec. 10.

“We are proud of the creativity of our BOCES students and happy to showcase their talent again this year,” said BOCES Communications Specialist Rebekah Grim. “This year’s winner has a powerful story behind her artwork, and we are honored to be part of her incredible journey.”

Wallace has worked to master a communication device that uses eye gaze technology, according to a press release from BOCES. Gaze interaction is a computer access method that allows her to navigate and control her device with her eyes. She is able to listen to music, watch videos, and communicate her personal wants and needs.

Wallace worked to create greeting cards using her device by activating a switch. The switch is connected to a spin art machine created for her by her speech therapist, Teresa Fisher. She is able to choose paint colors and regulate the speed of the spin art machine “to create truly unique and beautiful cards,” according to the release.

“Melissa’s card was truly spectacular,” said District Superintendent Thomas Burns. “We are proud of Melissa and thank her for sharing her artwork with us.”