Plains students are winners in poster contest
Plains junior Kolton Johnson’s painting won first place in the ‘Keeping Montana Green’ contest. The contest is meant to promote awareness of preventing human-caused fires. (Photo courtesy ‘Keep Montana Green’)
Plains junior Maxwell Starika won the special education division with his painting in the “Keeping Montana Green’ contest. The contest is meant to promote awareness of preventing human-caused fires. (Photo courtesy ‘Keep Montana Green)
Plains senior Kylee Altmiller earned a honorable mention nod for her painting in the ‘Keeping Montana Green’ contest. The contest is meant to promote awareness of preventing human-caused fires. (Photo courtesy ‘Keep Montana Green’)
STARIKA
ALTMILLER
Three Plains High School students were recently named winners of the “Keep Montana Green” art contest.
Junior Kolton Johnson was the statewide winner while junior Maxwell Starika won the special education division.
Senior Kylee Altmiller received honorable mention in the Senior Division for students in grades 10-12.
“That’s great news!” Plains principal Kevin Meredith said. “All three of these students are hard working and well deserving of their awards.”
2020 marks Keep Montana Green’s 75th Anniversary and the 59th year offering a statewide art contest for K-12 students.
In Montana 60% of wildfires are human-caused. KMG’s mission and the goal of the art contest is to promote the awareness of preventing human-caused wildfires. The contest theme this year was, “Everyone Plays a Part in Preventing a Wildfire Start.”
Almost 2,200 students across the state participated in this year’s contest. The art entries are first judged regionally where first, second and third prizes are decided.
Those entries are sent to Missoula to be judged with winners from all six regions. The statewide winners receive cash prizes and statewide recognition.
“This year’s artwork was not only impressive and competitive but incredibly inspiring!” said Keep Montana Green coordinator Ian Harris. “Thank you for your participation and keep up the great work.”
Since KMG’s formation at the end of World War II in 1945, the organization has been dedicated to the prevention of human-caused wildfires.
KMG chartered as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization in 1961, and is governed by a Board of Directors representative of its membership.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has supported KMG since its inception and continues to provide the association with an Executive Director and office facilities.
KMG maintains active public education and media programs focused on the prevention of wildfires in Montana.
For more information, visit www.keepgmontanagreen.com or contact Ian Harris, KMG Coordinator at ian.harris@mt.gov.
Here is a list of some of the placewinners in their respective categories:
Statewide Winner – Kolton Johnson, 11th grade, Mrs. Kristen Cole, Plains High School
Senior Division (Grade: 10-12)
1st Place: Kira Brousseau, 11th grade, Ms. Kate Daniels, Columbia Falls High School
Honorable Mention: Kylee Altmiller, 12th grade, Mrs. Kristen Cole, Plains High School
Junior Division (Grade: 7-9)
1st Place: Emily Milligen, 8th grade, Ms. Haldenwanger, Reed Point School
Intermediate Division (Grade: 4-6):
1st Place: Ela Harber, 6th grade, Mrs. Hansard, Havre Middle School
Primary Division (Grade: K-3):
1st Place: Tenley Hersel, 3rd grade, Mrs. Sullivan, Fred Graff Elementary
Special Education Division (Grade 7-12)
1st Place: Maxwell Starika, 11th grade, Mrs. Kristen Cole, Plains High School
Special Education Division (Grade: K-6)
1st Place: Tirzah McNiven, 4th grade, Mrs. Sullivan, Fred Graff Elementary
Computer Generated Division (Grade: K-12)
1st Place, Walker Lee, 8th grade, Ms. Mandy Wichman, Hobson Public School
Audio Visual Division (Grade: K-12)
1st Place: Jonathan and Adrian Kelley, 9th and 8th grades, Ms. Lindi O’Brien & Mr. Jason Webster, Fromberg Public Schools
