TEXAS YOUTH PLACES SECOND IN NATIONAL JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST

Colby Brandt of Sealy, Texas, took second place in the national Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest with a colored pencil called "Woodies," a depiction of a pair of wood ducks for 2003. Wood ducks are a common but beautiful site on the 14 National Wildlife Refuges in Texas and on many of the 350 refuges scattered throughout the country.

The contest is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of a nationwide curriculum to teach environmental science and habitat conservation in schools. Brandt receives a $2,000 cash award.

The 18-year-old is a student at Sealy High School. Ray Neal is his art teacher. His artwork was judged from paintings from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and American Samoa.

To see Brandt