REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — Gov. John R. Kasich and Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David T. Daniels announced the winners of 2018’s “Agriculture is Cool!” Creative Expression art contest. Children in kindergarten through high school shared their personal interpretation of why Ohio agriculture is “cool” to them, for the chance to win a trip to the Ohio State Fair.
Entries, which included photographs, drawings and paintings, were judged in four different age categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Ten entries were selected as winners in their respective categories.
K-2 Drawing: Lilliana Neal, Chillicothe, Ross County, age 7
3-5 Drawing: Joseph Leisure, Forest, Hancock County, age 10
3-5 Painting: Camille Lee, Tontogany, Wood County, age 9
6-8 Drawing: Elizabeth Stock, Brilliant, Jefferson County, age 12
6-8 Painting: Angelina Warner, Chillicothe, Ross County, age 13
9-12 Drawing: Lance Mahler, Arlington, Hancock County, age 15
9-12 Painting: Kylee Geissinger, Arlington, Hancock County, age 16
9-12 Photo/Digital: Sarah Graber, Liberty Center, Henry County, age 15
Director’s Choice: Cayne Essinger, Arlington, Hancock County, age 13
Best of Show: Anna Rose, Columbus, Franklin County, age 17
The winners were honored by Gov. Kasich, Ohio Agriculture Director Daniels and Ohio State Fair Manager Virgil Strickler at a ceremony at the Ohio State Fairgrounds.
“Our department received a record 104 entries this year from talented children across the state and I’m so impressed by the creativity and artistic ability of our winners,” said Daniels. “Having the opportunity to challenge kids to think about why food and agriculture is cool, and seeing the results through their eyes is always a fun experience. We hope it sparks an interest in learning more about the industry, it’s importance to all of us and all of the opportunities food and agriculture offers to them as a career choice later down the road.”
2018 marks the eighth year of the art contest and the “Ag is Cool!” educational program that is featured at the Ohio State Fair, July 25-Aug. 5.
— Ohio Department of Agriculture