Moscrop Secondary student Wendy Hu has won a national design contest held by the Royal Canadian Mint.

"I was really ecstatic when I found out my design won the national competition, and that my art was recognized on a national scale and appreciated," said the Grade 12 student.

The subject was multiculturalism, and Hu drew three arms forming a peace symbol, with the earth in the middle.

"It's supposed to symbolize how with unity and teamwork with different cultures, we can contribute in a positive way," she said.

Hu isn't sure if it will appear on a coin any time soon, but the Royal Canadian Mint has the rights to use her design.

Hu's design was selected from entrants across the country in the category for 13-to 17-year-olds. As part of the prize, Hu received a coin collector's package with a book on coins, a pure silver coin worth about $40, and a set of Canadian coins. Two representatives from the Royal Canadian Mint also visited the school on Feb. 6 and brought a coin engraving computer program so the students could try it out. They also brought an Olympic gold medal and let the students hold it for pictures.

Hu thinks winning the contest was a contributing factor in her landing a Queen's University Chancellor's Scholarship worth $36,000.