Hall well-represented among Junior Duck Stamp art winners

By by Ken Stanford

Posted 10:16AM on Monday, December 29, 2003

GAINESVILLE - One Gainesville area school, Maranatha Christian Academy, produced sixteen winners in four separate age categories in this year's Junior Duck Stamp art contest. Sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the exhibition of North American waterfowl art was recently on display at Elachee Nature Science Center through. It includes the works of some 35 northeast Georgia students who were judged as first, second, third or worthy of honorable mention in their respective age categories. Young wildlife artists from across Georgia submitted over 700 pieces of artwork for the 2003 competition. Maranatha instructor, Lyndrid Patterson, says that the Junior Duck Stamp contest is a favorite for her students. "We love it because we do quite a few contests, but no contest acknowledges the students as kindly as does the Junior Duck Stamp Contest." Each young artist receives at least a certificate acknowledging their work in a contest that combines art education and environmental studies. "We definitely do everything. The students have to research the bird themselves, including habitat and markings," Patterson added. She also says the students do not find the assignment a chore. "They like it. They go through the books. They know the red-breasted merganser from the king eider or wood duck," and referring to the topknot feathers of individual species, "They like all the hairdos." All entries are required to be of ducks, geese or swans from North America. Categories include Kindergarten to 3rd grade, 4th to 6th grades, 7th to 9th grades, and 10th through 12th. Digital images of winning artwork may be seen at http://Athens.fws.gov. The three Maranatha students who won first place awards are: ten-year-old Tasia Gibson, twelve-year-old David Patterson and ten-year old Summer Schmeltz. As in years past, the 2003 winning entries are on tour across the state at sites including Elachee Nature Science Center, Callaway Gardens and the annual Turkey Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Show hosted by the Georgia Wildlife Federation in Atlanta. Special awards for students are offered by organizations including Georgia Power Company and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.