FRANKFORT, KY – Earlier this month, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 12 students representing 11 Kentucky counties were top finishers in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s 2023 Adopt-A-Highway Art Contest. The annual contest allows young Kentuckians to showcase their talents while promoting an important message of keeping roadsides free of litter.
This year’s theme “Can it, Kentucky” drew in nearly 900 entries statewide from students ages 5-18. The winning art came from students representing 12 unique schools.
“We’re thankful to have young and talented Kentuckians lend a hand at sharing an important message to encourage us all to do our part to keep Kentucky beautiful,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.
Adding his congratulations to the winners, KYTC Secretary Jim Gray touched on the importance of promoting a cleaner Kentucky.
“Litter-free roadsides do more than protect our scenic byways; they also keep harmful materials from washing off roads and sidewalks and into our drinking water,” said Secretary Jim Gray. “We’re grateful to have students be part of the solution of maintaining a clean and safe environment.”
The top finishers in each of the four age divisions will receive a $100 gift card, while second- and third-place finishers will each receive a $50 gift card. First- through third-place recipients for all age groups will have their pieces displayed at the Transportation Cabinet Office Building in Frankfort.
The 2023 contest winners are:
5-8 age category
1st place Simran Lad Shirley Mann Elementary School, Boone County
2nd place Cruz Melton Greenville Elementary School, Muhlenberg County
3rd place Joshua James Victory Arts, Carter County
9-11 age category
1st place Meera Patel Good Shepherd School, Franklin County
2nd place Natalie Leake Old Kentucky Home Middle School, Nelson County
3rd place Sophia Reik Garrard Middle School, Garrard County
12-14 age category
1st place Blakely Callahan South Laurel High School, Laurel County
2nd place Kathryn Whitecotton Heritage Christian Academy, Christian County
3rd place Brynlee Smith McLean County Middle School
15-18 age category
1st place Jasmine Beckwith Christian County High School
2nd place Shannen Eckert Rockcastle County High School
3rd place Cloey Bowman Morgan County High School
The Adopt-A-Highway program is a statewide volunteer effort to reduce roadside litter and keep Kentucky’s highways beautiful. Litter-free roads promote a clean environment, foster civic pride, and save taxpayer dollars. More information on Kentucky’s Adopt-A-Highway program can be found at https://transportation.ky.gov/AdoptaHighway/Pages/default.aspx.
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