Tuscarawas Central Catholic student wins Rainbow Connection art contest

Ahead of its 53rd annual telethon, Rainbow Connection has selected Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School freshman Brisa Gonzalez-Rodriguez as the winner of the organization’s annual art contest.

As the grand prize winner, Gonzalez-Rodriguez earned a smart board device for her school, and her artwork will be featured on billboards and other advertising promoting the telethon.

“We wish we could include all the students who submitted artwork for the contest in our event and on our billboard,” said Executive Director Perci Garner. “Their talent and creativity blew us away again this year, and we cannot thank the artists, parents, teachers and administrators enough for continuing to support our art contest.”

In addition to Gonzalez-Rodriguez, the top 10 artists included Makayla Bickford, ninth grade, Tuscarawas Central Catholic; Jordan Cheng, ninth grade, Tuscarawas Central Catholic; Airabella Christner, eighth grade, Newcomerstown; Hallie Conley, eighth grade, Newcomerstown; Jaiden Garvin, kindergarten, Dover; Isaiah Hart, fifth grade, Dover; Myla Jacobs, second grade, Indian Valley; Aubrey Reynolds, fourth grade, Strasburg; and Raul Sanchez, seventh grade, Tuscarawas Central Catholic.

All 10 winning works will appear on Rainbow Connection billboards, and the students are invited to participate in the live telethon. Canvases of the top 10 pieces will be auctioned to benefit the organization.

The Rainbow Connection telethon will air live Sunday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Spectrum Channel 15, on the organization’s social media platforms and at tuscrainbow.org. Online auction bidding begins March 1.

Rainbow Connection is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit health charity that assists disadvantaged and disabled residents of Tuscarawas County, along with the schools and organizations that serve them. Founded in 1950, the organization has hosted its annual telethon since 1973 and raised a record $352,000 in 2025.

“The need we see in Tuscarawas County is not just increasing — our casework has more than doubled over the last two years,” Garner said. “We’ve been able to meet this need thanks to the continued support of our community. I always tell caseworkers to thank their neighbors because it’s their donations that allow us to fulfill our mission.”

During Rainbow Connection’s December board meeting, the organization approved assistance for seven households to help cover medical and dental bills, long-term prescriptions, medical supplies and handicap equipment. Dover South Elementary School was also approved for improvements to its sensory room.

Those seeking assistance with medical or health-related expenses may contact Rainbow Connection at 330-343-8686 or visit tuscrainbow.org.