FARMINGTON – Each year Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors a poster contest in cooperation with the Maine and National Association of Conservation Districts.

The key to the program is to provide a time each year where students learn about natural resource conservation. The posters produced are a means of getting students to focus on aspects of conservation. This year’s theme was “Celebrate Conservation” and was geared to the need for all to learn environmental responsibility and conservation.

All winning posters will be sent to the state level for judging. First-place state winners will proceed to the national level. Prizes are awarded at each level.

There were 80 posters submitted to the local contest. First-place winners will receive a $50 savings bond. Second- and third-place winners will receive a Christmas tree or another plant.

Division I, grades kindergarten and one: first, Park William Laflin, grade one, W.G. Mallett School, Farmington; second, Jared A. Winslow, kindergarten, home-schooled, New Sharon; third, Julia A. Ramsey, kindergarten, home-schooled, New Sharon.

Division II, grades two and three: first, Kyle A. Tracy, grade two, Mallett School; second, Janna A. Winslow, grade three, home-schooled, New Sharon; third, Riley Christine Laflin, grade three, Mallett School.

Division III, grades four through six: first, Ashlie N. Hardy, grade five, Cascade Brook School; second, Branden L. Thompson, grade four, Cascade Brook School; third, Dustin C. Thompson, grade five, Cascade Brook School.

Division IV, grades seven through nine: first, Chlorissa K. Blood, grade nine, Dirigo High School, Dixfield; second, Joshua J. Walker, grade seven, Mt. Blue Middle School; third, Marjorie M. Hardy, grade eight, Mt. Blue Middle School.

Division V, grades 10 through 12: second, Andrew H. Hardy, grade 10, Mt. Blue High School.