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This year marked the 32nd year of the Junior Duck Stamp Program in North Dakota. A unique science and art-based K-12 program that offers students an opportunity to learn about our country’s cherished wetland and waterfowl resources and then create a piece of artwork depicting their favorite North American waterfowl species. 

The first National Junior Duck Stamp art contest took place in 1993 with only 8 states participating. North Dakota jumped on board in 1994, and today, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories participate annually. 

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Each year, a panel of judges is carefully selected to include both art and science professionals bringing their own unique perspective and expertise. This year’s judges included Daniel Schumacher, a local artist and 4 time repeat ND Junior Duck Stamp winner; Jessica Christy, Executive Director for the North Dakota Council on the Arts; Heath Hagy, Project Leader with bet365����ios; Sherri Neisar, Curriculum Specialist with North Dakota Game and Fish Department; Randy Renner, Manager of Conservation Programs with Ducks Unlimited Great Plains Regional Office; and Rick Warhurst, Wetland Biologist who served as the backup judge from the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust.

In my work with the bet365����ios, I have had the privilege of serving as the State Coordinator for this program in North Dakota for nine years. This year our judging event was amplified in a cool way!Conservation partner, Ducks Unlimited, hosted the event at their Great Plains Regional Office in Bismarck, ND on March 26^th, 2025. With assistance from partners, and volunteers, the event was open to the public for the second year in a row and for the first time in the history of our state contest, we invited classroom students to experience the challenge of judging more than 1,000 pieces of artwork in person. 

Among the eager attendees were third-grade students from St. Anne School in Bismarck. Students viewed their own artwork as well as the artwork of their peers on display from throughout the state. The questions and observations shared by the students created an unforgettable atmosphere, turning the event into a lively exchange of ideas and excitement. Their curiosity shone through as they asked the judges questions like, “What is each of your favorite duck species?” and “How old do you have to be to be a judge?” The vibrant dialogue set the tone as the students walked through rows of tables displaying a breathtaking 369 pieces of K-3rd grade art—the first group in the contest. Following this, they ventured outdoors to participate in various educational activities that deepened their understanding of conservation.

Throughout the day, a total of 1,110 entries were judged across four age groups: Group 1 (K-3), Group 2 (grades 4-6), Group 3 (grades 7-9), and Group 4 (grades 10-12). The top 25 entries were selected within each group, with three awarded 1st place, three 2nd place, three 3rd place, and 16 honorable mentions. At the end of the judging, the twelve 1st-place winners returned to the table for the coveted selection of a Best of Show and Runner-up Best of Show piece to represent North Dakota in the national contest April 22^nd, 2025 in Falls Church, VA.

As judging concluded, one entry emerged as a clear standout: a pair of northern shovelers exquisitely drawn and painted by high school senior Francheska Flores-Gargarita. It was a proud moment for Francheska, whose inspiration came from a photograph she had taken. This marked her second year participating in the contest as a dedicated art student from Valley City High School. The remarkable shape and posture of her shovelers, along with the intricate detailing of their feathers, propelled her work to the top of the competition earning the 2025 Best of Show award.

The Runner-up Best of Show honor went to Gabe Coleman, a ninth grader from Bismarck, who is no stranger to the contest. In fact, he is the son of Sam Coleman, a two-time North Dakota Best of Show winner in 1996 and 1997. Gabe’s acrylic painting of a pair of mallards resting on a bed of cattails captivated the judges taking the lead in a three-way tie breaker round for the runner-up selection. When asked about his choice of subject, Gabe replied, “It is a duck I have not entered in the past; I like to paint a different one each year.”

In addition to the art contest, students were encouraged to participate in the Conservation Message contest by writing a unique message about conservation on their art entry forms. This year, the winning message for the North Dakota contest was composed by 10th grader Kaylen Kasel from Maple Valley High School, and it read: “Nature needs heroes; be one.”

The day wrapped up with spirits high and hearts full, as we all left inspired by the creativity and passion of our state’s young artists. Each piece of art was not just a representation of incredible talent but also a testament to their commitment to conservation and the natural world. The North Dakota Junior Duck Stamp Program continues to flourish, nurtured by the dedication of its volunteers, teachers, partners, and the bright minds of its young participants.

To learn how you can get involved visiting the Junior Duck Stamp website at /program/junior-duck-stamp. Click on Contest Information for complete details on how to enter and to find your State Coordinator’s contact information. 

Check out our from North Dakota's contest this year!