LAS VEGAS — An acrylic painting of a Canvasback duck will represent Nevada in the 2016 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program art contest. The painting is the work of Santiago LaRochelle, a ninth-grade student at the Las Vegas Academy. His artwork placed first in the seventh–ninth-grade group and was chosen as “Best of Show” during a day-long judging session on Thursday, March 24, at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
LaRochelle’s artwork will compete with the other states’ winners in the National Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest on April 22, 2016. The national winner’s design will be made into the 2016-2017 Federal Junior Duck Stamp. The annual program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), provides educational resources to teachers to help students in grades K–12 learn about the outdoor world and their connection to waterfowl, wetlands and habitat conservation.
Santiago is the son of Jim and Lourdes LaRochelle of Las Vegas. His Canvasback was one of 611 entries to this year’s Nevada competition. LaRochelle’s acrylic painting of a Redhead duck won “Best of Show” in the 2015 art contest, which attracted entries from 411 young Nevada artists.
“We were thrilled to see an increase of nearly 50 percent this year in the number of entries from throughout the state,” said Nevada Coordinator Christy Smith. “Nevada is loaded with talented young people and we hope to involve many more of them in next year’s Junior Duck Stamp art competition.” Smith manages the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
The judges for the 2016 Nevada competition were: Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife; Rob Vinson, Manager of the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge; local artist Wendy Smith; Springs Preserve Director Bruno Bowles; and Douglas Chang, President of the Red Rock Audubon Society.
The Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is a dynamic art and science program designed to teach wetlands habitat and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school and help reconnect youth with the outdoors. In Nevada, the program is facilitated by the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Las Vegas.
The design that wins the national art contest graces that year's Junior Duck Stamp and is sold by the U.S. Postal Service and Amplex Corporation for $5. All proceeds from the sale of the stamp are used to fund environmental education programs, reward students for their work, and expand the program. All program information can be found on the Internet at www.fws.gov/juniorduck/.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visithttp://www.fws.gov/cno. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel, and download photos from our Flickr page.
