Winning design will be unveiled in Washington, D.C. on National Arbor Day, April 27
Nebraska City, Neb., – Allison Sauls has a jump-start on a brilliant creative career: At the age of 11, she is already being recognized for her award-winning artistic talent…and her love of trees.
Allison, a fifth grader from Shreveport, La., is the national winner in the 2001 Arbor Day National Poster Contest, presented by The National Arbor Day Foundation and sponsored by Toyota Motor Corporation. She will unveil the winning poster design at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Arbor Day, April 27. After the unveiling, Allison will present a copy of the poster to Ann Veneman, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
Allison’s winning original artwork was chosen from entries sent in by children from more than 60,000 fifth-grade classrooms across the country. The theme this year was “Trees Are Terrific…And Forests Are Too.”
“I was very excited when I found out I won,” Allison said. “I was so excited that I think I stayed awake all night.”
Allison’s poster features a rainforest scene with several animals, surrounded by a flower border. Allison is the daughter of John and Michele Sauls. A copy of her winning design can be found on The National Arbor Day Foundation’s Web site at arborday.org.
Second prize in the contest was awarded to Dylan Horne of China Grove, N.C., and third prize went to Andrea Coleman of Arcanum, Ohio.
PRIZES INCLUDE A TRIP TO ARBOR DAY HEADQUARTERS.
In addition to a trip to Washington, D.C., Allison, one parent, and Allison’s teacher, Judy Ball Johnson, will receive an expense-paid trip to Nebraska City, Neb., home of Arbor Day, where they will stay at Lied Conference Center and participate in the April 27-29 National Awards Weekend. Allison also will receive a $1,000 savings bond and a lifetime membership in The National Arbor Day Foundation. Ms. Johnson will receive $200 for classroom materials.
As the second place winner, Dylan receives a $500 savings bond, and Andrea receives a $250 bond as the third place winner. Their teachers also will receive $100 and $50 respectively.
CHOOSING THE WINNERS.
This year, poster contests were held in 45 states, with each state winner advancing to the national finals. The winning designs were judged on originality and interpretation of the theme.
“It was exciting to see such a wide range of wonderfully creative posters from Allison, Dylan, Andrea, and the other state winners,” said John Rosenow, president of The National Arbor Day Foundation. “I am very proud of the work from all of this year’s participants. And I look forward to more great designs from the 2002 Arbor Day National Poster Contest.”
Educators who would like to take part in next year’s contest can request ecosystem curriculum and poster contest materials by writing to: The National Arbor Day Foundation, Poster Contest Coordinator, PO Box 85784, Lincoln, NE 68501-5784, or by sending an e-mail to
[email protected].
# # #