FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2003
Contact: Aaron Kiesz 1-800-228-5254 or 605/ 773-3623

And the Results are in…
2003 Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Poster Contest Winners Chosen

 (Pierre) --- Students across the state got creative designing posters for this year’s Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest.

This year’s contest was open to all South Dakota students in grades 1-5 and was sponsored nationally by the National Council of State Garden Clubs and the USDA Forest Service.  In South Dakota, the State Contest was sponsored by the State Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., and the Keep South Dakota Green Association in cooperation with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Black Hills National Forest.

The Smokey Bear poster contest encourages youth to understand the importance of preventing wildfires and the potential impacts that carelessly started wildfires can have on life, property and natural resources.  Youth from across the state create their individual wildfire prevention concepts using Smokey Bear as a theme.

The Woodsy Owl poster contest teaches children about natural resource conservation.  Woodsy’s message challenges America’s children to “Lend a Hand -- Care for the Land.”  Since 1971, Woodsy Owl has been helping teachers and parents inspire youngsters about being good stewards of the land. 

Entries in this year’s contest were accepted in five competitive divisions.  All entrants receive a certificate of achievement.  First place winners also receive $25, second place winners receive $15 and third place winners receive $10.  The 2003 poster winners are: 

First Grade Competition Division

First Place: Tia Goebel, Custer, SD
Second Place: Kiara Marie Anderson, Rosholt, SD
Third Place: Holly Hamlin, Highmore, SD
Honorable Mention: Anthony Williams, Custer, SD
Honorable Mention: Matthew Preszler, Menno, SD

Second Grade Competition Division

First Place: Lincoln Lane, Groton, SD 
Second Place: Tracy Hague, Highmore, SD 
Third Place: Erica Schuster, Groton, SD 

Third Grade Competition Division

First Place: Brooklyn Ihlen, Tea, SD 
Second Place: Meghan Dohman, Groton, SD 
Third Place: Aren Jennings, Tea, SD

Fourth Grade Competition Division

First Place: Kara Baloun, Highmore, SD
Second Place: Logan Cowan, Highmore, SD
Third Place: Taylor Huwe, Webster, SD 

Fifth Grade Competition Division

First Place: Jennifer Gullickson, Howard, SD
Second Place: Perrin Thomas, Lennox, SD
Third Place: Nina Martinez, Custer, SD
Honorable Mention: Hannah Myers, Onida, SD

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Pictures of the winning posters for grades 2-5 are available at: http://www.state.sd.us/doa/Ag%20Policy/press.htm