The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Arkansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. The annual contest, which is open to students in grades K -12 from across the state, encourages young artists to express their knowledge of conservation, wetlands, and waterfowl while creating beautiful works of art.
Janerik Rivera, 12, of Cabot, was named “Best of Show” for his colored pencil and watercolor composition of a Redhead, titled “Hot-Headed Waterfowl”. The winning Arkansas Conservation Message was submitted by Mullen Jett, of Corning, who wrote, “Enjoy wildlife today. Conserve it for tomorrow.”
This program offers an art- and science-based curriculum that teaches wetland and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. If you are interested in learning more about the contest, please visit the Arkansas Junior Duck Stamp page.
A Special Thank You to all the participating schools, teachers, and students: Cabot Freshman Academy, Cabot Middle School, Cabot Junior High North, Corning High School, Corning School District, Jones Homeschool, Ellen Smith Elementary, Flippin High school, Jimmy Brown Elementary, Peggy Ann's Art and Custom Frames, Park Elementary, Russellville Middle School, Southside High School, Woodlawn High School
First, second and third place winners in each of the four age groups:
1st Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Vivienne Liles Elly Gay Maverick Weast 1st Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Janerik Rivera Shelby Thompson Willow Wright | 1st Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Zoe Ruszler Bentley Weaver Lindsey Davis 1st Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Riley Coe Johnny Yaws Kelsi Mack |
2nd Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Marilynn Huante Valeria Cervantes Steven Cook 2nd Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Lettie Liles Brynleigh Nelson Amy Buchman | 2nd Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Samantha Stottman Aubrey Belote Kendra English 2nd Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Makaylah Arnett Jaci Hoyt Emily Reed |
3rd Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Devan Brooks Porter Echlin Baleigh Crook 3rd Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Chandler Burns Harper Aldridge-Knowles Harley Hill | 3rd Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Raney Jones Zylla Romero Eva Watts 3rd Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Jayden Curtis Lillianna Amerson-Homes Erin Vinson |
Honorable Mention winners in each of the four age groups:
Group 1 (K-Grade 3)
Kara Dunn, John Scott Carr, Layton Robinson, Sienna Holloman, Grayson Baldwin, Gracelyn Cole, Adalynn Dobrovich, Travis Harris, Zane White, Amani Stevenson, Raelynn Dean, Ryleigh Gober, Laila Harris, William Cherry, Paisley Johnston, Kora Dutton
Group 2 (Grades 4-6)
Giono Prati, Raylynn Douillard, Harper Keyes, Zoey Magneson, Kingston Shelby, Pepper Poff, Peyton Cole, Cason Moore, Charlie Sears, Madison Pafford, River Malone, Eli VanNada, Cruz Cooper, Butler Bowers, Analeigh Edwards, Esther Par
Group 3 (Grades 7-9)
Isabella Rettig, Bridget Wise, Mia Smith, Teagan Brown, Charlotte Landreth, Lane Sutterfield, Mazrie Bond, Aurelia Hann, Scarlett Roberts, Stella Pounders, Jaxon Coultas, Alexa King, Ainsley Whittaker, Phoebe Burgess, Aubree Jones, Emerson Blair
Group 4 (Grades 10-12)
Jordan Trinkle, Gracie Townsend, Lucy LaRue, Xander Yandell, Bailey Catt, Valeria Ramiro, Olivia Cummings, Jayson Osgood, Krista King, Carlee Gleghorn, Mckenzie Barber, Makynna Cates, Aireus Kimble, Rylie Burris, Anslee Aud, Flaviano Rodriguez
Best of Show Artwork – by Janerik Rivera, Cabot AR (see file attachment BOS 2026 Rivera)
