Ellouise Short of Louisa is Area 8 winner in Jim Claypool Conservation Art Contest

ELLIE SHORT was honored at the annual Jim Claypool Art and Writing Contest in Frankfort on March 7. In photo is her teacher at Louisa East Elementary, Sarah Blevins and Kelli Hanshaw, LC Education Coordinator. Submitted photo

FRANKFORT — Louisa East Elementary School, Ellouise (Ellie) Short was honored in the Capitol Rotunda on Friday, March 7, during the 2024 Jim Claypool Conservation Art and Writing Contest awards ceremony.

Ellie, a third student was recognized as the Area 8 winner in the art contest. She is the daughter of Chelesa and Alan Short.

The Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts and Kentucky Farm Bureau sponsored the event. Short’s work was one of over 32,000 entries from 81 counties across the state. The annual competitions include an art contest for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and a writing contest for students in grades six through 12.

“The talent and insight of our youngest Team Kentucky members never ceases to amaze me,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Each day, I am reminded that the future of our new Kentucky home is in good hands. It’s an honor to recognize the hard work of these young Kentuckians and to say, ‘thank you’ for being leaders not only for your generation, but for all of us.”

The 2024 theme, “Protecting the Forest Together,” helped students from across the Commonwealth learn more about the importance of forestry and forest health in Kentucky.

The students used the knowledge they gained about the environment and transformed it into creative artwork and essays. The Kentucky Division of Conservation, in partnership with the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts and Kentucky Farm Bureau, coordinates and provides resources to support the contest.

“We have to start young, with our future generations, to teach the importance of protecting and preserving our environment,” said Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “And that’s what this program has done. It’s always a joy to read the essays and to see the amazing artwork. We’re honored to be a part of this.”

Their entries may be viewed at www.eec.ky.gov.