Montevallo,
AL, Feb. 23 --- Kellie Smith (pictured left), fifth-grade 4-H’er
at Alexandria School, is the Alabama State Winner in the 2002 Arbor
Day National Poster Contest. She was honored during the official
state Arbor Week festivities at Orr Park in Montevallo, February 23.
Smith was selected by a panel of five volunteer
judges. The contest, sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension
System, Alabama Urban Forestry Association, The National Arbor Day
Foundation and Toyota Motor Corp., asked students to create a poster
reflecting the theme "Trees are terrific...inside and
out!"
The annual contest educates children about the
importance of planting and caring for trees. More than 1,000
students from 16 different schools participated. As the winner,
Smith received a certificate, $40, an Arbor Day tote bag, a T-shirt
and the original Arbor Week 2002 proclamation signed by Governor Don
Siegelman. Smith is also a finalist for the national contest.
"We are very happy Alabama participated this
year," says John Rosenow, president of The National Arbor Day
Foundation.
"Students like Kellie have learned about the
importance of trees to our environment and how they can make a
difference."
Runners-up were Ashley Howard from West Elementary
and Stevie Bailey from St. Paul's Lutheran School both in Cullman
County.
Both received certificates, cash prizes, tote bags
and a T-shirt. All three 4-H’er's participated in tree planting
at the State Arbor Week festival.
Dr. David West, Calhoun County Extension
coordinator, who also coordinates the Arbor Day program, presented
each student their awards and also sent awards to their teachers and
county agents.
"We couldn't conduct this program without our
local educators.
"Thanks to our sponsors for providing the
opportunity and means to conduct the program and recognize the
participants," says West.
The program will be open to fifth-grade students
again beginning in the Fall of 2002. Check the Alabama Cooperative
Extension System Web site for updated contest information in
October, or contact David West.
Related Links:
Alabama Urban
Forestry Association
National
Arbor Day Foundation
