Malta Elementary School Smokey Bear Woodsy/Owl Awards

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of wildfire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles through original drawings of Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl earlier this year at Malta Elementary School.

Smokey Bear is recognized nationally and internationally as the symbol for wildfire prevention. The original Smokey Bear appeared in 1944. Smokey’s message, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires!” encourages personal responsibility for wildfire prevention. Smokey Bear teaches children and adults to be careful with campfires, barbecues, trash fires, and matches, according to the contest’s poster announcement.

Woodsy Owl is America’s icon for the conservation of the environment. Since 1971, Woodsy has helped parents and teachers inspire children to observe, explore, and care for the environment.

He challenges children to “Lend a Hand, Care for the Land!” and to take an active role in caring for the land through recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, planting and caring for trees, using resources wisely, and not littering.

Malta students were asked to design posters with bold, and simple designs to convey a message that is easily understood with the pictures and text. Posters will be judged for originality, design, slogan, artwork, and overall effectiveness of the message.

2017 Winners:

1st grade

First: Kayla Ottinger

Second: Kamber Brockie

Third: Sabra Sims

2nd grade

First: Carly Mears

Second: Jackson Bleth

Third: Taylee Messerly

3rd grade

First: Brooklyn Knowles

Second: Kenzie LaBrie

Third: Morgan McEwen

4th grade

First: Hailey Judd

Second: Mason Simanton

Third: Eva Yeadon

5th grade

First: Gabrielle Giblette

Second: Addison Ulrich

Third: Karly Weston

REGIONAL WINNER

5th grade – Gabrielle Giblette

State Winners

First Grade: Kayla Ottinger

Second Grade: Carly Mears

Third Grade: Brooklyn Knowles

Fourth Grade: Hailey Judd

Fifth Grade: Gabrielle Giblette