Zeeland West Junior Wins Ottawa County “Walk for Warmth” Poster Contest
Zeeland, MI — Zeeland Public Schools is proud to celebrate that Jiho Lee, a junior at Zeeland West High School, has been named the winner of the 2025 Walk for Warmth Poster Contest, hosted by the Ottawa County Community Action Agency.
Jiho’s artwork was selected for its style, bold color, and thoughtful message about caring for neighbors in need. Her poster will promote the annual Walk for Warmth, which raises funds to help local families facing heating emergencies during the winter months.
Originally from Korea, Jiho shared that moving to the United States as a teenager was a “very special experience” and that the welcoming environment in West Michigan helped her feel confident. “People here are welcoming and kind, and that helped me feel more confident,” she said.
Her growth as an artist began soon after arriving at Zeeland West. She had never taken a painting class until tenth grade, when she enrolled in a basic drawing course. “I remember enjoying the class so much,” she said. “It was also the first time I had ever used Photoshop. Having access to classes like that has really helped me grow as a student and as an artist.”
When designing her winning poster, Jiho drew inspiration from classic Olympic artwork, especially the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics poster. She wanted her design to carry the same sense of unity. “I hope this poster sends a message of communion and community spirit,” she said. “Both the Winter Olympics and Walk for Warmth remind us of the power of community. I hope it goes beyond just a charity event and shows how we share warmth with one another.”
Her art teacher, Deb Kemppainen described her as kind, hardworking, and thoughtful in everything she creates. The Zeeland West art department celebrated her accomplishment, noting that opportunities like this help students connect classroom learning with real community impact. Mia, her classmate, said of Jiho, “Jiho has taught me so much about being an artist. I’ve learned from her skills, her ideas, and the way she thinks about her work.”
Ottawa County Community Action will recognize Jiho at this year’s Walk for Warmth event, and her artwork will be featured in promotions across the county leading up to the walk.
For more information about Walk for Warmth, visit miottawa.org/caa/walk-for-warmth.
