The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Arkansas Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. The annual contest, which is open to students in grades K -12 from across the state, encourages young artists to express their knowledge of conservation, wetlands, and waterfowl while creating beautiful works of art.
Sophia Blea, 15, of Cabot, was named “Best of Show” for her colored pencil composition of a Hooded Merganser, titled “Afternoon Curiosity”. The winning Arkansas Conservation Message was submitted by Emily Selig, of Corning, who wrote, “Wetlands are nature’s lifeline, nurturing wildlife and purifying the world.”
This program offers an art- and science-based curriculum that teaches wetland and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. If you are interested in learning more about the contest, please visit the Arkansas Junior Duck Stamp page.
A Special Thank You to all the participating schools, teachers, and students: Cabot Freshman Academy, Cabot Middle School, Corning High School, Corning School District, Hall Homeschool, Jones Homeschool, Ellen Smith Elementary, Flippin High school, Gary E. Cobb Middle School, Jimmy Brown Elementary, Peggy Ann's Art and Custom Frames, Park Elementary, Russellville Middle School, Southside High School, Woodlawn High School, Wyatt Homeschool
First, second and third place winners in each of the four age groups:
1st Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Alex Acuchi Nik Acuchi Analeigh Edwards 1st Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Miles Merritt Valerie Hendriks Willow Wright | 1st Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Sophia Blea Mayte Izabel Castro Aniyah Brown 1st Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Annie Davidson Gracie Townsend Caia Gipson |
2nd Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Emma Prince Sadie Garriott Virginia Engel 2nd Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Joni Allen Mia Smith Allyson Morbach | 2nd Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Addison Barnett Aubree Jones Alyssa Mione 2nd Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Laura Johnson Emily Selig Alyssa Burns |
3rd Place – Group 1 (Grade K-3) Izabella Merritt Leila Palmerin Sophia Acuchi 3rd Place – Group 2 (Grades 4-6) Zayden Houghton Charlie Landreth Brynleigh Nelson | 3rd Place – Group 3 (Grade 7-9) Hayden Morris Alex EmiliSage Rawe Macy Bauschlicher 3rd Place – Group 4 (Grade 10-12) Riley Coe Harleigh Hooten Kylee Skidmore |
Honorable Mention winners in each of the four age groups:
Group 1 (K-Grade 3)
Abigail Jones, Keegan Davis, Cole Nelson, Judd McGriff, Cam Ambrose, Isaac Rambin, Amya Butler, Karelinda Fair, Catherine Cogbill, Brooklyn Dunn, Clasher Durden, Noah Carter, Evan McGriff, Remi Owen, Bruno Torrecillas, Peyton Whipple
Group 2 (Grades 4-6)
Kendalyn Hubbard, Marlee Seiter, Lakota Knight, Alexa Thomas, Jett Jones, Aiden Todd, Jamie Bailey, Kenzie Ring, Abri Earls, Lillian Lovett, Harper Pacheco, Emily Magana, Meredith Wells, Brooklyn Whipple, Harper Shields
Group 3 (Grades 7-9)
Nathen Shelton, Giselle Bonilla, Braxton Osborn, Xavier Torres, Samantha Stottman, Breallyn Mims, Lily Pedersen, Luke Keaster, Zola Prati, Rhona Cariit, Zoey Wyatt, Alexis Berry, Tanner Foster, Abby Young, Katie Finley, Clowee Ogden
Group 4 (Grades 10-12)
Maisa McCallister, Wyatt Murray, Zoey Leonard, Kase Young, Caleb Moore, Carlee Moore, Mattany Wright, Lyla Arnold, Kyla Woodard, Haylee Remus, Sara Smith, Bentley Dodd, Camden LeGrand, Leighann Stormes, Madelynn Boozer, Lane Vaughn
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