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Congratulations to Savannah Stout, age 17, from South Anchorage High School, who took top honors in the 2025 Alaska Junior Duck Stamp Contest with a painting of snow geese titled “Summer Guests”. Savannah’s artwork was chosen as the Best of Show out of 332 entries from across the state and will represent Alaska at the National Jr. Duck Stamp Contest on April 22nd held in Falls Church, Virginia.
Best of Show Conservation Message, “Protecting wildlife starts with us – every choice, every effort, shapes tomorrow and builds a brighter future”, was submitted by Zoey Lam, age 16, from Juneau Douglas High School. Zoey’s conservation message will also compete at the National Jr. Duck Stamp Contest.
Judges for this year’s contest were Helen Strackeljahn (retired) and Callie Gesmundo from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Justin Talley from Ducks Unlimited Kodiak Chapter, and Rich Capitan and Tracy Lavin from the Alaska Zoo. Appreciation goes out to Kela Vicich and Zak Pohlen with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their behind-the-scenes support. A tremendous Thank You to The Moose’s Tooth for lunch, Ducks Unlimited for prizes and awards, and the Alaska Zoo for hosting the contest.
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest is the culmination of a year-long Junior Duck Stamp conservation program used by educators across the nation. Junior Duck Stamp competitions occur in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Proceeds from sales of the $5 Junior Duck Stamp support environmental education.
To learn more, visit the National Jr. Duck webpage (httpshttps://www.fws.gov/program/junior-duck-stamp).
