A Student’s Art Takes Flight Over City Place This New Year’s Eve

When the clock strikes midnight this New Year’s Eve, thousands of people looking up over City Place will be cheering for more than just the start of 2026, they’ll be watching a local student’s imagination soar across the sky.

David, a student at Harmony Science Academy-City Place, has been named the first place winner of the City Place art contest, earning a truly one-of-a-kind honor: his artwork will come to life as part of City Place’s very first New Year’s Eve drone show.

The contest, created in partnership with Public Content, challenged HSA City Place students to dream big and design original art that could be transformed into a synchronized aerial performance. David’s piece stood out, and soon it will be reimagined as glowing drones dancing above the city at midnight, a moment that promises to be unforgettable for both the artist and the audience below.

For David, the celebration doesn’t stop in the sky. As part of his win, he and his immediate family will enjoy an overnight stay at City Place on New Year’s Eve, along with a dining gift card to make the night even more special.

School leaders say the moment is as meaningful as it is exciting. Principal Elyse Pravel shared how proud she is of David and his classmates who participated. "Watching student created art become part of a cutting-edge community celebration, she said, reflects the creativity, innovation, and confidence students are encouraged to develop at HSA City Place."

City Place’s New Year’s Eve festivities will be an all-day affair, starting at noon with a children’s celebration and building toward the midnight drone spectacular. Best of all, the event is free and open to the public, making it easy for the entire community to come together, count down the final seconds of the year, and watch a local student’s creativity light up the night sky.