West Virginia Division of Forestry honors student winners of 2021 Arbor Day Poster contest

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF) announced the winners of the 2021 Arbor Day Poster contest for fourth and fifth grade students.

Woodsdale Elementary in Wheeling, Ohio County, swept the contest with the win for both grades. Katelyn Maloney received the honors for fourth grade and Molly Bradshaw for fifth. Photos of their winning posters can be downloaded here.

WVDOF awarded each student a framed certificate and will have a tree planted in her honor. Due to upcoming renovations at the school, the trees will be planted in a nearby city park.

4th Grade Winner Katelyn Maloney

5th Grade Winner Molly Bradshaw

“The theme for this year’s poster was ‘Trees are Terrific … and Growing’ a reminder that we all benefit from trees,” said Partnership Coordinator Andy Sheetz. “It also means we need to learn about trees so we can plant the right tree in the right place. If we use our knowledge and plan ahead, our trees can grow in – not outgrow – their locations.”

Each year, the poster contest is open to West Virginia’s public, private and home-schooled students in fourth and fifth grades. Each school selects only one entry for each grade.

The theme for the 2022 poster contest has not yet been announced.

Teachers will be able to download or request free educational materials to teach their classes about trees before their students create their poster. Like the 2021 educational guide on the WVDOF website, the materials will include in-depth lesson plans, hands-on activities and contest information.

The contest is presented by the WVDOF, the Urban & Community Forestry Council and the West Virginia Forestry Association.