All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Two Upshur County students honored as West Virginia Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest winners

Two Upshur County students, Madison Hinton, a second grader, and fifth grader Abilene Bennett, received state awards as winners of the West Virginia Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest and will advance to national judging.
The two poster contest winners. At left is winner Abilene Bennett. Pictured, from left, are Beth Post, Fred Brooks Garden Club President; mother Brittany Bennett; Abilene; Smokey Bear aka Josh Simmons; and Danny James with the WV Division of Forestry. At right is winner Madison Hinton. She is joined by Simmons, James, Post, parents Jackie and Rob Hinton and art teacher Virginia Hicks. (Photo by Ann Bergstrom)

Two West Virginia 2025 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest winners from Upshur County were honored on Monday, April 14, 2025. Madison Hinton and Abilene Bennett received their awards at the Buckhannon Academy Elementary School.

The Fred Brooks Garden Club submitted two poster entries for judging on the state level. Both entries won in their age division.

Madison Hinton’s Poster

Madison, a second grader at BAES, won first place in the second grade division. Madison’s poster depicted “Woodsy Owl, Lend a Hand – Care for the Land.” Madison worked with her art teacher, Mrs. Virginia Hicks. Madison’s parents are Rob and Jackie Hinton.

Abilene Bennett’s Poster

Abilene Bennett, a fifth grader at BAES, designed a poster using Smokey’s “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires” slogan. Her poster was an outdoor scene including a campfire and embers. Abilene’s art teacher is also Mrs. Hicks. Abilene worked independently. Abilene is the daughter of Matt and Brittany Bennett.

Both of these state winners will advance to judging at nationals. The contest is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and National Garden Clubs Inc.

The Fred Brooks Garden Club thanks Madison and Abilene for their hard work and dedication to their posters. FBGC wishes them much luck at the national judging this summer.

Madison Hinton, in blue, with parents Rob and Jackie and older sisters Kennedy and Reagan.

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