NEWS RELEASE
South Dakota Department of Agriculture
Media Contact: Aaron Kiesz
605-773-3623 or 800-228-5254
For immediate release: March 26, 2004

And the Results are in…
2004 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 2004 poster winners are: 

First Grade Competition Division
First Place: Sydney Cowan, Highmore, SD
Second Place: Lindsey Langdeau, Lower Brule, SD
Third Place: Kaitlin O’neil, Groton, SD
Honorable Mention: Lauren Esser, Custer, SD
Honorable Mention: Mary Reed, Highmore, SD
Honorable Mention: Josey Aasby, Holobird, SD

Second Grade Competition Division
First Place: Camille Sippel, Groton, SD
Second Place: Riley Helmer, Andover, SD
Third Place: Micaela Frank, Bonesteel, SD
Honorable Mention: Joellen Gonsoir, Groton, SD 

Third Grade Competition Division
First Place: Zach Franks, Custer, SD
Second Place: Jill Mcnulty, Keystone, SD
Third Place: Erica Schueter, Groton, SD
Honorable Mention: Ally Spring, Custer, SD

Fourth Grade Competition Division
First Place: Rachel Day, Highmore, SD
Second Place: Gabe Dendinger, Hill City, SD
Third Place: Drew Dohman, Groton, SD
Honorable Mention: Rachel Raysby, Chancellor, SD 

Fifth Grade Competition Division
First Place: Tess Wentworth, Custer, SD
Second Place: Haley Clark, Howard, SD
Third Place: Corey Muilenburg,
Honorable Mention: Kara Baloun, Highmore, SD
Honorable Mention: Stephanie Fey, Groton, SD
Honorable Mention: Ally Klock, Chancellor, SD

Pictures of the winning posters for grades 2-5 are available at: 

http://www.state.sd.us/doa/forestry/