Kassandra Martinez, 12, of Brodheadsville and a 7th grade student at Pleasant Valley Intermediate School, has won the 2009 West End Rotary Club holiday card art contest. She is the daughter of Lisa Marie Martinez and Anthony Ruffino.

"I was really excited when I learned I won first place. It's my first time getting first place in anything," says Kassandra.Her drawing of a snowman peeking into a living room will appear on the cover of the club's holiday cards this season. The inside of each of the non-denominational card reads, "Warmest wishes during this holiday season."Each year a student from the Pleasant Valley School District creates a piece of art for the cover of the club's card.All proceeds from sales of these cards will be donated to the West End Rotary's community wish list and to the Rotary Foundation's Polio Plus initiative to eradicate that disease throughout the world."The holiday season is traditionally a time of giving," said Joan Loveless of Effort, a club member who is chairing the project. "Everyone loves to receive cards. This year, we're inviting the community to send cards that will not only cheer the recipient but make a difference in the education of our children."Each pack contains 12 cards and envelopes."Using local artwork to create these cards is symbolic of the work Rotary does in our community," said Honi Grasing, the club member who originated the holiday card project six years ago. "Every cent we raise from the sale of these cards will be put to use locally."Holiday cards can be purchased from any West End Rotary member or at the following locations: West End Happenings Rt. 209, Gilbert; Schoch's Sunoco in Snydersville; Community Bank & Trust Co. in Tannersville; RE/MAX Results, Sciota. Or contact Grasing at

honigrasing@gmail.com or call 570-620-0336.