Starkville Honors Young Artist for First Place in Smokey Bear Poster Contest

Starkville Celebrates Young Artist’s Achievement in Smokey Bear Poster Contest

In the heart of Starkville, excitement filled the air as the Starkville Town and Country Garden Club honored a talented young artist, Sian Lee, for her remarkable achievement in the Smokey Bear Poster Contest. Sian, a vibrant fifth grader at Overstreet Elementary School, was awarded first place by the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc. for her captivating entry in this annual drawing competition.

Celebrating 80 Years of Smokey Bear

This year’s contest held special significance as it celebrated Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. The poster contest invites children from first through fifth grade to channel their creativity, encouraging them to create artwork featuring Smokey Bear, a cherished character that has been a symbol of wildfire prevention since his debut in 1944. The contest spotlights the artistic skills of young participants and reinforces the essential message that “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

A Passion for Art and Animals

While accepting her award, Sian expressed her joy and enthusiasm. “I live with my mom and cat in Starkville,” she shared. “I enjoy art—especially sketching and drawing characters. I love to read and often draw characters from books.” Sian’s aspirations reflect her dual passions; she dreams of becoming either a veterinarian or an art teacher in the future. “I love animals, and they are one of my favorite subjects to draw,” she added with a smile.

A Bright Future

Sian was one of three first-place winners from the great state of Mississippi whose artwork will now compete in the National Garden Club’s Smokey Bear Poster Competition. This achievement highlights her talent and showcases the vibrant creativity present in Starkville’s young minds.

The Role of Community Support

Bryn Taylor, co-chair of the Starkville Town and Country Garden Club Education and Young Gardeners Committee, emphasized the significance of community involvement. She noted how much April Wallce, the art teacher at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary, contributes to the success of the competition. Thanks to her support and encouragement, the club expects a large number of entries when the contest kicks off again this fall, featuring not just Smokey Bear, but also Woodsy Owl.

About the Starkville Town and Country Garden Club

The Starkville Town and Country Garden Club is dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and skills of its members through engaging educational programs, regional workshops, and the sharing of valuable information and resources with the community. Their efforts foster an appreciation for gardening and environmental stewardship among all ages.

Looking Ahead

The excitement surrounding the Smokey Bear Poster Contest is just a glimpse of the ongoing initiatives from the Starkville Town and Country Garden Club. As they gear up for another round of contests this fall, it’s clear that they continue to inspire creativity in young artists while promoting essential messages about wildlife and environmental care.