WAIC honors bookmark program winners
Cheyenne – Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) honored students from across the state for their outstanding artwork in Cheyenne. All students were recognized May 23 by Gov. Matt Mead, Secretary of State Ed Buchanan, Treasurer Mark Gordon and Superintendent Jillian Balow.
“The students recognized have truly excelled in sharing with their peers important messages about agriculture and natural resources. We are grateful for the support of our growing program,” said Jessie Dafoe, WAIC executive director.
The bookmark program is open to students in second through fifth grades and received over 2,400 entries. Templates, in conjunction with educational materials, are sent to all classrooms every fall, encouraging students to participate. Top submissions were posted online for public voting during National Agriculture Week.
The bookmark that received the most votes came from Crook County and was created by Aiden Williams. Finalists in the bookmark contest included Cael Churches of Albany County, Bridger Cozzens of Carbon County, Krizma Delfino of Crook County, Maryanne France of Uinta County, Kirbie Hickox of Laramie County, Mackenzie Johnson of Laramie County, Logan Jordahl of Johnson County, Grant Keeler of Johnson County, Roman Nielson of Laramie County, Dexter Opps of Park County, Samantha Pierce of Washakie County and Avynn Yost of Converse County.
“We should all know where food comes from, and a lot comes from Wyoming farms and ranches,” said Gov. Mead. “The meals on our tables start with ag. Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom teaches kids about our great food resources and helps them understand the importance of ag to them, the state and the world.”
The celebration day began with a partnership with Microsoft for students to work with technology.
“Agriculture and technology are a powerful combination,” said Balow. “People tend to forget how much science and technology are integrated into agriculture. Agriculture is more than animals and crops, and technology is more than computers – both are sciences. I have so much hope for the future because Wyoming Ag in the Classroom, our schools and families across the state foster a love for learning, curiosity and stewardship in our young people.”
Balow went on to comment about the student engagement piece, saying, “Wyoming Ag in the Classroom partners with the technology industry as a way for all students to see that innovation has no limits. I can’t think of a better context than agriculture.”
Over the next six weeks, the Wyoming Livestock Roundup will print all of the winning bookmarks, in alphabetical order by student’s first name. Visit wyaitc.org or facebook.com/wyaitc for more information.
