GEORGETOWN — The Sussex Conservation District announces the winners of the 2024 Conservation Poster Contest, themed “May the Forest Be With You, Always.”

A total of 351 entries were submitted in seven grade categories, including digital posters for students in grades 7-9 and 10-12.

First-place winners from Sussex County will advance to the state-level competition, with state winners moving on to nationals. National winners will be announced in February 2025. Notably, in 2023, Sussex County celebrated its first national-level winner.

The 2024 Sussex County Conservation Poster Contest winners are:

Grades K-1

• First place: Annabelle Lehman, first grade, John M. Clayton Elementary
• Second place: Sasha Costello, kindergarten, Sussex Academy Elementary
• Third place: Kennedy Savage, kindergarten, Sussex Academy Elementary

Grades 2-3

• First place: Angel Clifton, second grade, Legacy Academy
• Second place: Graycen Malchow, third grade, Epworth Christian School
• Third place: Lauren Hastings, third grade, Epworth Christian School

Grades 4-6

• First place: Nohely Ramirez-Merida, fifth grade, Sussex Academy Elementary (state level winner)
• Second place: Camden Dukes, fourth grade, Epworth Christian School
• Third place: Lukas Whaley, fourth grade, Epworth Christian School

Grades 7-9

• First place: Rainna Adams, eighth grade, ST215 Academy Homeschool (state level winner)
• Second place: Anna Louden, seventh grade, Legacy Academy
• Third place: Paige Barbrow, eighth grade, Legacy Academy

Grades 7-9 Digital

• First place: Annabelle Hochstedler, eighth grade, Epworth Christian School (state level winner)
• Second place: Emily Morris, seventh grade, Epworth Christian School
• Third place: Addison Light, eighth grade, Epworth Christian School

Grades 10-12 Digital

• First place: Alana Furst, 12th grade, Sussex Technical High School
• Second place: Asher Brittingham, 11th grade, Sussex Technical High School