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, 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, 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.
