By Nebraska Department of Agriculture
LINCOLN, Neb. – Each year, for National Ag week, NDA hosts a poster contest for 1-6 grade students. This year’s theme “Nebraska Agriculture: Building the Future” was meant to represent the growing innovation in agriculture and shepherding in the next generation of producers.
“The annual poster contest is always something to look forward to as we begin the new year. This year we received over 1,500 posters from across the state of Nebraska,” said Vinton. “The NDA teammates love to look through the different posters and see the creativity of today’s students. I’d like to thank all the parents and teachers that took the time to teach young people about agriculture and how important the ag industry is to Nebraska.”
NDA’s poster contest is in its 23rd year. The posters are judged in three separate categories: first and second grade; third and fourth grade; and fifth and sixth grade. The winners will receive a certificate and letter from Gov. Jim Pillen and NDA Director Sherry Vinton.
The winning posters are on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/kids.
This year’s winners are:
In the First and Second Grade Division:
-1st place: Hartley Werner- Humphrey St. Francis
-2nd place: Kassianni Barragan- West Point Elementary
-3rd place: Elle Popken- West Point Elementary
-Governor’s Choice: Grace Schmidt- Grand Island Central Catholic.
-Director’s Choice: Thiago Mendoza- West Point Elementary
In the Third and Fourth Grade Division:
-1st place: Quinn McManis- DC West Elementary
-2nd place: Harper Watson- Wilber-Clatonia
-3rd place: Jerzey Pierce- West Point Elementary
-Governor’s Choice: Karleigh Hobza- Shell Creek Elementary
-Director’s Choice: Tim Miyazaki- Kooser Elementary School
In the Fifth and Sixth Grade Division:
-1st place: Charlee Spickelmier- Chase County Schools
-2nd place: Sophie Fortkamp- Chase County Schools
-3rd place: Hailey Tunink- Randolph Elementary
-Governor’s Choice: Brayden Hamilton- Chase County Schools
-Director’s Choice: Victoria Perez- West Point Elementary