Cartoonist in the making

Cartoonist in the making

2008
Year 11 student Sophia Crunkhorn.

A Kelmscott Senior High School student has been recognised in a statewide competition for her creative illustration of the economic implications of COVID-19.

Year 11 student Sophia Crunkhorn was declared joint winner of the “Demand and Supply make the world go round” category in this year’s Economics Teachers’ Association of WA’s political cartoon competition, which was based on themes relating the economic climate in the wake of the global pandemic.

The competition was held as part of HASS Week, an annual celebration showcasing innovation in teaching and learning in the Humanities and Social Sciences Learning Area.

The artistic 16-year-old put pen to paper to demonstrate her understanding of the subject after being encouraged to enter the competition by teacher Crystal Wieringa.

Late last month, Ms Wieringa received word that Sophia had been named the joint winner – something she said warranted a surprise Friday afternoon phone call to Sophia and her father.

“I was extremely excited,” Sophia said.

“My comic was all about saving money and the impact that has on the economy.

“I had the idea after reading through the task sheet and it took me a couple of hours to do.

“I picked Economics because I find it really interesting and because I want to do something business-oriented when I leave school.”

Sophia’s teacher Crystal Wieringa said the award was a testament to Sophia’s content knowledge and dedication to achieve fantastic things.

“It’s awesome and we’re really proud of her,” she said.

“Not only was she the school’s first entrant, but she’s now our first winner.

“Sophia showed real initiative in putting the comic together in her own time and it really demonstrates her creative skills and deep understanding of the content.”

Kelmscott Senior High School principal Trevlyn Geiles echoed Ms Wieringa’s sentiments and said the school was beaming with pride.

“We were so proud to hear that she’s done so well,” he said.

“This is the type of competition that encourages critical thinking – which is everything we strive for here at Kelmscott Senior High School.

“Ms Wieringa is to be congratulated, too.”