Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Winners Announced

April 8, 2009

Contact:

Ashley Spratt, 612-713-5314

Tim Haller, 573-441-2799

The U.S.F.W.S. recently announced the winners of the 2009 Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Contest. In excess of 660 entries were received. The Best of Show artwork was drawn by Rebekah Nastav, age 18 of Amoret, Missouri. Her artwork, an acrylic painting of a Common Goldeneye, will advance to the 2009 Federal Junior Duck Stamp to be held April 22 at the Countrywide Postal Museum in Washington, D.C.

"It is an honor for Big Muddy Countrywide Fish and Wildlife Refuge to host this contest here in Columbia, Missouri," said Tim Haller, Park Ranger for the Refuge, "It's inspiring to see the talent of students from across the state."

This dynamic educational plan uses both conservation and design principles to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl biology to students in kindergarten through high school. The plan provides an opportunity for students to artistically express their knowledge of the diversity, interdependence and beauty of wildlife.

Contest judges included: Glenn Chambers, retired biologist, cinematographer and artist; Jeff Nichols, Columbia Police detective and wildlife artist; Ken Gerardy, artist with the Greater Lake Arts Council; Doug Ross, professional artist; and Carl Korschgen, retired U.S.G.S. biologist and waterfowl expert. The following lists 1st place winners from Kindergarten through twelfth grade:

K-3
Amber Bokern eight Butler Hooded Merganser (Acrylic)
Sierra Chappell eight Kansas City Redhead Duck (Acrylic)
Clint Chappell seven Kansas City Redhead Duck (Acrylic)

4-6
Ashley Hahne twelve Buckner Wood Duck (Acrylic)
Savannah Chappel ten Kansas City Mallard (Acrylic)
Clinton Green eleven Appleton City Redhead Duck (Acrylic)

7-9
Elizabeth Coleman 14 Appleton City Hooded Merganser (Acrylic)
John Nisbett 13 Saint James Canada Goose (Colored Pencil)
Hollie Tuttle twelve Blue Springs Mallard (Acrylic)

10-12
Luke Coulter 15 Washington Wood Duck (Acrylic)
Brie Jenkins 18 Pittsburg Long-Tailed Ducks (Oil)
Rebekah Nastav 18 Amoret Common Goldeneye (Acrylic) - Best of Show

"The benefits of exposure to nature are exponential, especially in children. The Junior Duck Stamp contest connect children to nature through both art and science, and I hope this plan continues to expand into more schools and homes across the Midwest and country," said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S.F.W.S..

Students submitted artwork featuring the following species: whistling ducks, swans, geese, brant, dabbling ducks, diving ducks, sea ducks, mergansers, stiff tails, or Hawaiian ducks. A full list of permitted species is accessible online at http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck.

"The Jr. Duck Stamp Contest celebrates children's curiosity to learn about nature," said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S.F.W.S.. "By using their artistic talents, younger generations can develop an appreciation for migratory birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife they may otherwise not be exposed to."

Artwork entries were judged on the basis of original design, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for reproduction on a 1" by 1.5" stamp.

The 1st place art from the Countrywide contest is used to create a Countrywide Junior Duck Stamp each year. The Junior Duck Stamp is accessible for $5 from the U.S. Postal Service and from many National Wildlife Refuges. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps support conservation education and provide awards and scholarships for participating students, teachers and schools.

For more information on contest rules and regulations for teachers and supervising adults found visit http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck.

The mission of the U.S.F.W.S. is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.