A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Area students give strong showing in Transportation Cabinet’s Adopt-A-Highway art contest


Students from Hopkinsville High School in Christian County, Williamstown Independent Schools in Grant County, Walton-Verona Middle School in Boone County and Rosa Parks Elementary in Fayette County took first place in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) 2017 Adopt-a-Highway Art Contest.

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2017 Adopt-a-Highway Art Contest,” Transportation Secretary Greg Thomas said. “The winning pieces capture the beauty of Kentucky, show the remarkable talent of our students and communicate the importance of a clean environment in creative ways.”

The winner in each of four age divisions will receive a $100 gift card, while second and third-place finishers will receive a $50 gift card. First through third-place recipients for all age groups will receive framed prints of their posters. KYTC frames and displays the original artwork in the Transportation Cabinet’s conference center in Frankfort.

Additionally, the winning artwork will be featured in the Adopt-a-Highway program’s calendar which will be available in July for the 2018-2019 academic year.

The 2017 contest winners were:

5-8 age category

1st place: Jessica Lin
 Rosa Parks Elementary, Fayette County


2nd place: Gabby Welsh
 Hearn Elementary, Franklin County


3rd place: Sophia Zerhusen 
St. Joseph Academy, Boone County

9-11 age category

1st place: Kayleigh LeMay
 Walton-Verona Middle School, Boone County


2nd place: Eshia Daljeet 
Walton-Verona Middle School, Boone County


3rd place: Isaiah Gonzales
 North Washington School, Washington County

12-14 age category

1st place: Brayden Peeples 
Williamstown Independent Schools, Grant County


2nd place: Sara Schilling
 Walton-Verona Middle School, Boone County


3rd place: Marcus Schultz 
Williamstown Independent Schools, Grant County

15-18 age category

1st place: Shaelee Tate
 Hopkinsville High School, Christian County


2nd place: Kailah Miller 
Hopkinsville High School, Christian County


3rd place: Jordan Napper
Greenwood High School, Warren County

Nearly a thousand students from all 12 KYTC Highway Districts submitted entries.

“Every student who entered this year’s contest did an amazing job,” Secretary Thomas said. “We appreciate the hard work the students and their teachers put into their pieces and their support for our Adopt-a-Highway program. Their efforts help us discourage littering and promote a clean environment that lets Kentucky shine brightly.”

KYTC urges students and teachers to start early on the 2018 Art Contest.

The Cabinet will accept entries Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2018. Additional information and the 2018 art contest entry form can be found at the website

The Adopt-a-Highway program is a statewide volunteer effort to reduce roadside litter and to keep Kentucky’s highways beautiful. Litter-free roads promote a clean environment, foster civic pride and save taxpayer dollars. More information on Kentucky’s Adopt-a-Highway program click here.

Ages 5-8


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