America has voted and now 12 young artists will have their artwork reproduced on millions of Heinz Ketchup packets as the winners in the fifth annual Heinz^® Ketchup Creativity™ Contest. Pop artist Burton Morris and a panel of judges identified 36 finalists from the more than 26,000 entries from students who poured on their enthusiasm and creativity for America’s Favorite Ketchup.

Image: Grand prize winner Stephanie Zdimal’s design

Heinz Ketchup lovers in the U.S. will see 12 winners’ designs on millions of Heinz Ketchup packets in the 2011-2012 school year, and see grand prize winner Stephanie Zdimal’s design on Heinz Ketchup bottles on store shelves. Stephanie, an eleventh grade student from Chenango Forks High School in Binghamton, N.Y., will be awarded a $5,700 cash prize at an exclusive award ceremony with Burton Morris. Each of the 12 winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

“The level of energy and talent that poured into the artwork for this year’s Heinz Ketchup Creativity Contest is outstanding,” Morris said. “I am continually impressed each year and commend these students for their passion and creativity.”

“Stephanie Zdimal’s version of the iconic Heinz Ketchup packet brings to life the colorful personality of the brand,” said Erin Catalina, brand manager for Heinz Ketchup. «Choosing a grand prize winner from our 12 winning designs was difficult, but Stephanie’s creative artwork is a perfect representation of the Ketchup Creativity Contest and reflects the cheer that Heinz Ketchup brings to mealtime.»

In addition to prizes and recognition for the young artists, their schools also benefit from the contest and will receive $1,000 toward art supplies, $1,000 worth of Heinz Ketchup and a poster of the winning artwork featured at a special awards ceremony with Heinz.