Seeley second grader takes first place in statewide art contest

MISSOULA, Mont. - Hale Devins, a second grader at Seeley Lake Elementary School, took first place in this year's 63rd Keep Montana Green statewide art contest with his striking depiction of this year's theme: "Go the Extra Mile Each Time You Burn a Pile." Second and third place were awarded to Madysen Lines of Browning High School and Logan Kellom of Hobson, respectively.

The top three winners were selected from over 800 entries submitted by participating educators on behalf of their art students across the state. Statewide winners received cash prizes and will be featured in the annual Keep Montana Green calendar as well as on the website at http://www.keepmontanagreen.com/art-contest-winners.

"Every year we receive truly wonderful illustrations, and it is always hard to choose a winner. Living in Montana means we must live with fire, but these young artists do a great job envisioning a world with fewer human-caused wildfires," said Julia Berkey, Keep Montana Green Association Executive Director.

In addition to the art contest, K-12 educators are given access to fire safety, prevention and conservation resources related to the contest and the mission of Keep Montana Green. The Keep Montana Green Association has sponsored 63 art contests since 1961 with the mission of creating a lasting interest in preventing human-caused wildland fires.

"Escaped pile burning is our number one cause of human-ignited wildfires in Montana, and it is 100% preventable. That's why, this year, we chose a theme that encourages the responsible use of pile burning," said Berkey. "We are hoping educational campaigns such as this can help inspire a new generation of young people who know how to burn their debris piles safely and effectively."

The 2024 Montana Statewide Winners include:

1st Place - Hale Devins, 2nd grade, Natasha Hartsoch (teacher), Seeley Lake Elementary, Seeley Lake

2nd Place - Madyson Lines, 10th grade, Radium Woolf (teacher), Browning High School, Browning

3rd Place - Logan Kellom, 6th grade, Alison Kellom (teacher), Homeschooled, Hobson