Irving, Texas — Leaders from Medical City Las Colinas, Medical City Healthcare and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas surprised Sophia “Sam” Wilson with news she won first place in Medical City Healthcare’s nationally recognized kids teaching kids® Healthy Lifestyles statewide graphic design competition. Wilson, a student at R. L. Turner High School, which is just a few miles from Medical City Las Colinas, will have her designs featured in the 2026 recipe book and her school will receive a $2,500 donation.
Each year, graphic design students from across Texas enter a statewide competition to create a cookbook cover and recipe layout inspired by a central theme. This year’s theme, ‘Fill Your Cart with Color,’ encouraged students to highlight the value of colorful, nutritious foods through design. Wilson’s design features playful cartoon fruits and vegetables sliding, skateboarding and riding a shopping cart along a network of rainbows. The judges praised the design for its lively and vibrant energy and for its relatability across age groups.
Sam’s work was selected from hundreds of entries. She was named the top finalist during the annual judging event on March 26 at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, where the top nine student designs were featured.
As the grand-prize winner, Sam will now create the official kids teaching kids® Healthy Lifestyles digital cookbook, set for release in early fall. The cookbook, featuring kid-friendly recipes developed by high school culinary students, will be available in English and Spanish to school districts participating in the program’s annual 21-Day Snacking Challenge, which engaged more than 32,000 elementary students during the 2025-26 school year.
The kids teaching kids initiative has reached more than 500,000 elementary students across Texas, encouraging healthy choices and active lifestyles through peer-led learning. With students like Sam bringing creativity and leadership, the program continues to expand its positive impact in communities across the state.