Nathan Hopkins spent the past year experimenting with alcohol markers. His colorful illustration will soon appear on hundreds of lawn signs across Burlingame.
Hopkins, an eighth grader at Burlingame Intermediate School, beat out more than 50 student submissions from across the Burlingame School District to win the Burlingame Community for Education Foundation's annual art contest, according to the BCE Foundation. His design will represent the foundation's 45th Anniversary Fall Drive, which launched in August.
"I looked at the lawn signs from previous years and wanted to make something that would really stand out," Hopkins said. "I wanted it to be simple, colorful, and show all the things BCE helps make possible at my school, like music, PE, the plays and musicals, and Spanish and Mandarin."
It was Hopkins' first time entering the contest.
Why the design stood out
The selection committee chose Hopkins' illustration for its bold colors and clean composition. His entry was one of the only submissions to specifically highlight BCE-funded programs: dedicated PE teachers, music, performing arts and world languages.
Over the past year, Hopkins has focused on figure and portrait drawing in pencil and charcoal before experimenting with alcohol markers, the medium behind the vibrant palette in his winning piece. He has recently begun exploring digital illustration and animation.
A milestone year for BCE
The contest carries extra weight in 2026. BCE, founded in 1981 after Proposition 13 squeezed school budgets, is marking 45 years of fundraising for Burlingame public schools. The foundation has raised $42.6 million since its inception and awarded a record $3.21 million grant to the Burlingame School District for the 2026-27 school year, its largest ever.
That annual grant funds roughly 20 teaching positions and programs in music, performing arts, physical education, world languages and academic intervention across all district TK-8 schools.
BCE Co-President Pooja Shah struck a similar note in an Aug. 12 back-to-school message to families: "This year feels especially meaningful … We're welcoming new families, celebrating 45 years of BCE, and kicking off another year of coming together to support our schools."
How to get a sign
Any donor who contributes to BCE's Fall Drive before Nov. 1 will receive a complimentary lawn sign featuring Hopkins' design, delivered to their home. Donors who give early can receive their sign by Labor Day weekend. The committee also plans to feature other top student entries in upcoming BCE promotional materials.
Hopkins' signs begin appearing across Burlingame in August as families show support for local public schools.
Upcoming
- Fall Drive donation deadline: Nov. 1, 2026 (donate before then to receive a lawn sign)
- Early delivery: Donors who give soon can receive signs by Labor Day weekend
- More info: bcefoundation.org
