Theme of this year’s contest is ‘Kentucky Agriculture Makes Me Proud’

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2025) – Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell has announced the winners of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s annual Poster and Essay Contest. The theme of the contest, "Kentucky Agriculture Makes Me Proud," allowed contestants to illustrate, in words and art, their pride in Kentucky agriculture.

"Kentucky residents can be proud of so many things happening in their state. One of those that’s closest to my heart is our dedicated farmers and our agricultural roots,” Commissioner Shell said. “Showcasing how that pride thrives within the community emphasizes the vital role of agriculture in Kentucky. Congratulations to each of these winners. They have shown their gratitude and pride through these pieces of art, both written and drawn."

The KDA received 1,001 entries. Each winning entry received a $100 award from Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom and will be displayed at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair in August in Louisville. Winning students will be honored on May 10 at the University of Kentucky’s E.S. Good Barn.

Participants will then be guests at the University of Kentucky versus Oklahoma University baseball game at Kentucky Proud Park.

The digital winner, which includes photos or original digital artwork, is Amber Willequer, an eighth-grader at Barren County Middle School.

Poster winners:

• Kindergarten: Eliza Langley, Creekside Elementary School

• First grade: Lane Staples, Hiseville Elementary School 

• Second grade: Diezel Rager, Muhlenberg South Elementary School

• Third grade: Landon Staples, Hiseville Elementary School

• Fourth grade: Adalin Rulon, Harrison Elementary School

• Fifth grade: Lydia Strode, Hiseville Elementary School

• Sixth grade: Deklen Campbell, Royal Springs Middle School

• Seventh grade: Chloe Adkinson, West Hardin Middle School

• Eighth grade: Ann Kathrine Wright, Barren County Middle School

• Ninth grade: Kaitlin Rulon, Lafayette High School

• 10th grade: Blakey Beth Callahan, South Laurel High School

• 11th grade: Alana Houchens, Barren County High School

• 12th grade: Aubrey Morris, Mercer County High School 

Essay winners:

• Second grade: John Clayton Lee, Tompkinsville Elementary School

• Third grade: Aria Mackley, St. Mary School

• Fourth grade: Colt McFarland, Paris Elementary School

• Fifth grade: Ashleigh McDonald, Waco Elementary School

• Sixth grade: McCoy Adwell, Bourbon Co. Middle School

• Seventh grade: Janiyah Ball, West Hardin Middle School

• Eighth grade: Mar’Ciah Jackson, Royal Springs Middle School

• Ninth grade: Branham Stilts, Metcalfe County High School

• 10th grade: Ava Hamilton, Pikeville High School

• 11th grade: Claire Myatt, Monroe County High School

• 12th grade: Evan Hamilton, Henry County High School