Valley student wins Zzeeks Pizza box art contest

Fourth-grader's design to be featured on pizza boxes across the region

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A fourth-grade student from Tarwater Elementary in the Phoenix area has won Zzeeks Pizza's annual pizza box art contest. Out of 5,000 submissions from students across kindergarten through high school, the young artist's design was selected as the winner. The prize includes $1,000, a pizza party for the student's entire class, and having the artwork featured on Zzeeks' 12-inch pizza boxes at all five locations for the next year.

Why it matters

The annual pizza box art contest is a popular community engagement initiative by Zzeeks Pizza, a local favorite in the Phoenix metro area. Winning the contest is a significant achievement for the young artist, providing recognition, a financial reward, and the opportunity to have their artwork displayed across the region.

The details

Zeke Pectol, the owner of Zzeeks Pizza, reviewed 5,000 submissions from students in kindergarten through high school before selecting the winning design created by a fourth-grade student at Tarwater Elementary. The winning student will receive $1,000 and a pizza party for their entire class, in addition to having their artwork featured on Zzeeks' 12-inch pizza boxes at all five of the company's locations for the next year.

  • The annual pizza box art contest was held in early 2026.
  • The winning design will be featured on Zzeeks Pizza boxes for the next year.

The players

Zeke Pectol

The owner of Zzeeks Pizza, who reviewed 5,000 submissions and selected the winning design.

Tarwater Elementary

The school of the fourth-grade student whose design won the Zzeeks Pizza box art contest.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Zzeeks Pizza's annual pizza box art contest provides a unique opportunity for young artists in the Phoenix area to showcase their talents and be recognized by the local community. The winning student's design will be widely distributed, giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment.