Several team members from Johnson Jacobson Wilcox CPAs visited Dean Petersen Elementary School this month to award the winner of the firm's annual art contest. Students were asked to depict why they are proud to live in America.

In addition to awarding the winning student (fourth-grader Amy Mason) with a gift of art supplies, Johnson Jacobson Wilcox CPAs also donated $5,000 to the elementary school.

Adam Grigsby, senior staff accountant for Johnson Jacobson Wilcox CPAs, said the firm chooses a different school each year based on need. The CPA firm started this tradition in conjunction with its 10-year anniversary in 2005.

Grigsby said, "I hope we can always be reminded of how blessed we are to live in the great USA and also remember that our hopes and dreams are embodied in the next generation of Americans like those at Dean Petersen Elementary. What a deserving school!"

Mason's artwork, which depicts a group of people under the heading, "Freedom Rocks!" will adorn the cover of the firm's Fourth of July card.

Art teacher Melissa Kennedy said she plans to use the donation to purchase special supplies that would have far exceeded the budget. "The reason I work with children and teach art is to push their imagination and creativity," Mason said, adding that art gives her students a healthy outlet to express themselves

Media wanting more information or photos of the awards presentation, winning artwork or the firm's card may contact Adam Grigsby, CPA at (702) 304-0404