The United States Fish and Wildlife Service held the first official Alaskan-sponsored competition, in Alaska, last spring in Fairbanks. Entries totaled 300 from 44 schools around the state. The Best of Show ribbon was won by Kevin Quinn, 18 years old, from Wasilla. His entry, a Harlequin duck done in pastels, was selected from the 12 first place winners. Entries from four grade groups (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12) competed for 100 ribbons and various awards and prizes. The selections were made by a team of five judges with backgrounds in conservation and wildlife art. Kevinss original artwork was sent to Washington, D.C., where it competed with all other State Best of Show winners.
The national winner for 1996 was Clark Weaver of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He received a $2,500 cash award and his winning design will be used to create a Federal Junior Duck Stamp. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps support conservation education by providing awards and scholarships for the students, teachers, and schools that participate in the program. The national first, second, and third place winners as well as their art teacher and one of their parents receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in the fall to attend the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. All national and State Best of Show winning designs are displayed during the year around the United States and returned to the students the following spring.
Alaskas Junior Duck Stamp exhibit has been traveling around the state since June for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. The exhibit will be on display in Fairbanks from mid-November through mid-December at the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Administration Building. The tour will conclude at Houston Senior High in Big Lake, the Best of Shows alma mater, before all entries are returned to students.
Information for the 1997 Contest has been mailed to all public, private, and correspondence schools in Alaska. The new entry deadline for the 1997 Junior Duck Stamp Contest is February 1, 1997. For information or registration materials, call Betsy Whitehill, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Fairbanks, at (907) 456-0402.
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