NDEE invites local students to submit calendar contest entries

By A. Marie Hamilton, Sidney Sun-Telegraph

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) sent invitations to schools across the state, including here in Cheyenne County, to enter its “Nebraska: Don't Waste It!” environmental calendar contest.

In a press release sent by NDEE Public Information Officer Owen Lasswell, the department of energy says it is seeking student entries for its calendar contest.

“The contest is open to all Nebraska students from grades K through 12,” Lasswell explained. “The submission deadline is May 31, 2023.”

“NDEE is looking for drawings or paintings that demonstrate the importance of good environmental practices or provide tips on reducing waste; boosting recycling efforts; or protecting Nebraska's air, land and water,” Lasswell further explained. “NDEE will select 13 drawings to be featured in the calendar.”

In addition to having their art featured, students with winning entries will be invited to a recognition ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol, in Lincoln, this summer.

Contest winners and their teachers will be notified via mail by July 1, 2023.

“During the past 18 years that NDEE has sponsored the contest, the department has received thousands of impressive entries from students across the state,” Lasswell said. “NDEE is eager to continue the tradition and see the creations from another group of talented young artists.”

For more information, view contest rules and guidelines and to download entry forms visit, http://www.dee.ne.gov and search for the calendar contest.

This year's theme is, “Recycling, composting and keepign litter in its place are among many ways we keep Nebraska clean,” Lasswell stated.

Adding, “We're looking for drawings that demonstrate the importance of good environmental practices and tips on reducing waste, recycling and protecting Nebraska's air, land and water.”

The front cover and each month of the calendar will feature one of the 13 winning environmental posters.

If the artwork is chosen for the calendar:

The artwork, student's name and schools' name will be featured on the page of the calendar;

The student will be invited to an awards presentation at the State Capitol in Lincoln;

The student will receive copies of the calendar to share with family and friends; and

The student will help educate others about how to protect the Nebraska environment.

Submissions must consider the theme relating to: recycling, composting, properly disposing of household hazardous waste (such as paint and cleaning products), cleaning up litter and any other activity that will keep Nebraska's air, land and water clean.

All entries are due and must be postmarked by May 31, 2023, and created on 8 ½ x 11 inch unlined, white paper and may either be landscape or horizontal. NDEE is asking contest participants to not use glues, staples or any other adhesive due to the image needing to be replicated in large quantities. Additionally, the available mediums include: markers, watercolors, tempera, pils, crayons, chalk, acrylic or colored pencils. The agency asks students not to use pen or ink and to mail submissions in a flat, unfolded, form. Mail all submissions to: NDEE Calendar Contest, P.O. Box 98922 Lincoln, NE 68509-8922.