Last year more than 500 entries from across the state were received from 46 schools. The artwork was judged in four grade groups with 101 ribbons awarded. Alaska Best of Show winner for 1997 was Edelweiss Muench of Ketchikan. The national winner was Scott Russell, Mt. Shasta, California. He received the top award of $2,500, and his design will be used to create a Federal Junior Duck Stamp.
The Service distributes a Junior Duck Stamp curriculum guide and video upon request, and offers a limited supply of reference materials. Although we have a limited opportunity to view migrant birds before the March 15, 1998, contest deadline, photographs, picture books, slides, study skins, and mounted specimens should be available in most communities.
Alaskas winning artwork exhibit has been traveling around the state since May for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. The exhibit is currently on display at the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Administration Building. The tour will conclude at Ketchikan High School in February. Artwork will be returned to students before the 1998 contest entry deadline.
Current contest information has been mailed to all private, public and home schools. For more information regarding this program or to request material, call Betsy Whitehill, State Coordinator, at (907) 456-0402 in Fairbanks.
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