The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 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.
Kira Nichols, 18, of Clarendon, was named “Best of Show” for her colored pencil composition of a male Wood duck, titled “Serene Wetlands”. The winning Arkansas Conservation Message was submitted by Emily Luttrell, 17, of Corning. She wrote, “Nature is similar to art, and it is up to us to conserve and appreciate the picture that nature has painted for us.”
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: Batesville Junior High School Charter, Bebee Junior High School, Brown Homeschool Academy, Cabot Freshman Academy, Clarendon High School, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Corning High School, Corning Schools, Eagle Mtn. Elementary, Ellen Smith Elementary, Flippin Middle School, Jimmy Brown Elementary, Kilcrease Homeschool, Lipe Homeschool, Mixon Homeschool, Monticello Intermediate School, Whitley Homeschool
First, second and third place winners in each of the four age groups:
1st Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Caroline Cogbill Scarlett Liles Cameron Smith 1st Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Gia Weier Mabri Thompson Mia Smith | 1st Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Catherine Manning Kimora Bogard Kylie Harlan 1st Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Olivia Ahrent Cody Simpson Kira Nichols |
2nd Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Kason Mankin Maggie Zeal Whitaker Brown 2nd Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Abby Young Myonna Bradley Nicholas Lozano | 2nd Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Lela Schroder Kamille Iwundu Gracie Forinash 2nd Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Emily Luttrell Eme Mason Jada Coleman |
3rd Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Jazmine Mondragon Emily King Lucy Smith 3rd Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Liz Pinkston Lizzy Lopez Shelbea Fowler | 3rd Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Charleigh Hawkins Lily Talkington Ivy Mason 3rd Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Laura King Briseyda Castro Paige Massey |
Honorable Mention winners in each of the four age groups:
Group 1 (K-Grade 3)
Emiliano Perez, Kassidy Dial, Zakary McCauley, Katelyn Picard, Ennsleigh Hopper, Chason Barnes, Wren Stevens, Jack Harris, Emma Drake, Gunner Mullikin, John Rodgers, Jackson Ratliff, Maelei Greene, Alicia Williams, Jensen Reynolds, Skylar Haynes
Group 2 (Grades 4-6)
October Roberson, Ricki Bates, Jeffrey Hunt, Lane Lucas, Landon Zeal, Raylyn Raiford, Emma Nelson, Autum Powell, Allison Huneycutt, Kilby Glasscock, Kaden Treadway, Aaliana Gonzales, Paisley Gay, Mary Wycough, Milagros Bautista Cruz, Alexis Santos
Group 3 (Grades 7-9)
Presley Whitener, Christopher Banning, Isabelle Bays, Andrew Burkett, Easton Stewart, Lucas Peace, Andrea Henry, Geneva Collins, Skylar Pepiot, Chayah Rosario, Hailey Davis, Abby Staggs, Kyla Woodard, Sophia Urie, Ashlyn Pearson, Jazmin Carrillo
Group 4 (Grades 10-12)
Ava Goodman, Caleb Moore, Makel Bray, Angel Hames, Bailey Wilkins, Isaiah White, Maci Browning, Aleena Bollinger, Tara Calhoun, Maggie Nickason, Hollee Cossey, Analise Alexander, Johneisha Brown, Isaac Henderson, Navie' Jennings, Austin Dahlen