Saturday 12th July 2025
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Harrelson Student Wins Junior Duck Stamp Competition

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Puryear, Tenn.–Emma Townsend, a 13 year old from Harrelson Elementary School has won Best of Show from over 1,100 art submissions entered in the federal Jr. Duck Stamp program from three schools in Henry County. 

Her rendition of a white cheeked pintail with ducklings captured the judges attention on March 3rd at a special judging held at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.  There were one hundred winners selected from Kindergarten through 8th grade.  Those winning at the county level will now advance to the Tennessee state competition held later this month.

 

Judging for the Henry County competition were Leah Watkins, Henry County School Superintendent, Maria Cox, supervisor of instruction for 3rd – 8th grade, David Kibbler, director of student management, Linda Fields, president of the Friends of Tennessee NWR, and Joan Howe, Ranger at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.

 

This unique program sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service combines art, science and conservation to teach students about waterfowl, their wetland habitats and the need to conserve and protect both. Ranger Joan Howe presented programs at Harrelson, Henry and Lakewood Elementary schools before the students created a “duck stamp” by drawing native North American waterfowl in their natural habitats.  This effort was cross-curricular combining the efforts of school STEM teachers, art teachers and refuge staff.

 

“We are so excited about this effort locally to increase the program” said Joan Howe. “We hope to keep increasing this program locally to include more schools in Henry as well as neighboring counties in future years! The response from teachers and students has been amazing this year!”

 

The Henry County School Board will hold its June meeting at the Refuge Visitor Center with winning students and their families invited to a special awards ceremony in their honor. The evening will include a reception on the back patio and special activities for school board members and the attending families.

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