Thousands of kids made cards for Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday. See some of the best ones
By Rebecca Wright and James Grant, CNN
Postcards courtesy of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
Published October 1, 2024
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a proud peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, just turned 100, the first president to do so.
In honor of his birthday, more than 4,000 students from coast to coast got creative and sent hand-drawn birthday cards to celebrate the former president.
The effort is part of the annual Peanut Festival Postcard Contest, a competition started nearly 15 years ago by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains. The contest not only pays tribute to Carter's political legacy and humanitarian work but also shines a spotlight on peanuts' role in Georgia's economy and history through art.
At the heart of the contest is Courtney Stoops, the educational specialist for the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, a role created at Carter's request to champion students and teachers across the state.
With Stoops' help, CNN reached out to the winners of this year's peanut-themed masterpieces to ask how Carter's legacy inspired their postcards and shapes their worlds.
Editor's note — The winners' responses have been edited for clarity.
Emily B. BlakePresident Carter shows us that anyone, even a humble person from a small town in Georgia, can achieve great things with hard work and perseverance. If he can grow up to be president, so can I.
The cake is my favorite part [of my drawing] — it's a peanut butter cake in the shape of a giant peanut. I also liked drawing a peanut man with a big smile.
Parsons Elementary School
Third grade
Suwanee, Georgia
Evelyn SalleyWhen I think of Jimmy Carter, I think of his devotion to humanity and dedication to human rights.
I'm a small artist from Savannah, and I hope my art can make a difference somewhere.
Savannah Arts Academy
Ninth grade
Savannah, Georgia
Evelyn WoodMy favorite part of the postcard is the confetti, and also President Carter's face was fun to draw.
I wanted to draw confetti and a hat to celebrate his birthday, and I wanted it to look realistic.
Georgia Military College Preparatory School
Second grade
Milledgeville, Georgia
Luna EngleWhen I think of President Carter and his legacy, I think of his countless efforts to make the country a better place. His advocacy for human rights and dedication toward our people have lasted beyond his time in office. For that, I am grateful.
On Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, I want to thank him for all of his contributions and hard work toward helping people around the world. And most of all, I want to wish him a happy birthday!
Dekalb School of the Arts
Tenth grade
Avondale Estates, Georgia
Rauiri MeeleshevichJimmy Carter was a peanut farmer who did not go to a fancy school, but he became president. He did a lot of good things.
Franklin Montessori School
Prekindergarten
Washington, DC
James RosierMy favorite part of my postcard is deciding to use a peanut to represent the "1" in "100." Happy Birthday, President Carter!
Thomas County Middle School
Fifth grade
Thomasville, Georgia
Suah ParkMy favorite part of my postcard is the background. Initially, I was just going to leave it white, then I decided to customize it based on President Carter's [love of] plaid.
I remember drawing a portrait of him in the fifth grade and thinking, "What a good person." I am proud and honored to be a part of the 100th birthday celebration of one of the true heroes in the history of the United States.
Lee Middle School
Sixth grade
Sharpsburg, Georgia
Richa BavdhankarI think President Carter is a kind and encouraging person in every way. He made my favorite nut famous.
Thank you, Mr. President Carter, for doing everything that you have done in your life — for peanut farming and everything you changed in our lives.
Golden Door Charter School
Fourth grade
Jersey City, New Jersey
Emme RegerWhen I think of President Carter, I think about how he always strived to improve human rights and health issues, not only in the US during his presidency, but for years afterward around the world. His tireless work as a humanitarian and a peacemaker made this world a better place for future generations.
Walton High School
Eleventh grade
Marietta, Georgia
Lailah WoolfolkWhen I think of President Carter, I think of a very dedicated, caring and hardworking man. I think he will always be known and recognized as a "family man."
My favorite part of my postcard is all the little "Peanut Jimmy Carter" people I got to draw.
Perry Middle School
Sixth grade
Perry, Georgia
Trinity NguyenI want to wish him the most happiest birthday ever and best wishes to Mr. Carter.
I also want to give him a peanut.
Matt Arthur Elementary School
Kindergarten
Kathleen, Georgia
Sophia OcfemiaWhen I think of Jimmy Carter and his legacy, my mind automatically thinks of his eforts toward human rights and the well-being of his people. He is dedicated to maintaining his moral integrity, and it is clear that he is full of compassion and drive. His devotion to promoting peace and justice is what I admire most about him!
In making this postcard, I was inspired by his special connection with peanuts. I believe they serve him well as they symbolize his humble roots, showing he could bring a fresh and genuine frame of mind to his presidency. I brought the peanuts to life, and they are setting up a surprise party for him as if they were his "friends" that have shaped who he is.
DeKalb School of the Arts
Twelfth grade
Avondale Estates, Georgia
Theodore SchlemmerWhen I think of President Carter, I think of how much he helped people during and after he was president.
My grandfather's first time voting was during Carter's first run for president. He voted for Carter!
Hilltop Elementary
First grade
Bonaire, Georgia
Khloe HeathWhen I think of President Carter and his legacy, I think of the Carter Center, his peace negotiations and his love for peanuts.
My favorite part of my postcard was Jimmy Carter as a peanut because it represents his iconic smile and love for peanuts.
Furlow Charter School
Seventh grade
Americus, Georgia
