Five local students named winners in KDA’s annual poster and essay contest
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell announced the winners of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) annual Poster and Essay Contest Thursday.
The theme for this year’s contest is “Bluegrass Roots, Agriculture Strong,” honoring the Commonwealth’s nickname.
Shell says the KDA received 711 entries from across the state.
The winning entrants each receive a $100 awards Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom. Their poster designs and essays will also be showcased at the 2026 Kentucky State Fair.
An honor ceremony will be held Saturday, May 30 at Gallrein Farms in Shelbyville.
Five local students were selected as winners.
Essay winners:
First grade: Cason Shaw, Metcalfe County Elementary School
Second grade: Reagan Morgan, Metcalfe County Elementary School
Third grade: Rhett Claypool, St. Mary School
Fourth grade: Eli LaCasse, St. Mary School
Fifth grade: Cold McFarland, St. Mary School
Sixth grade: Grayson Johnson, Bullitt Lick Middle School
Seventh grade: Lyric Gerton, St. Mary School
Eighth grade: Lauren Forbis, East Hardin Middle School
Ninth grade: Bryson Lewis, LaRue County High School
10th grade: Embry Stivers, Henry County High School
11th grade: Ava Hamilton, Pikeville High School
12th grade: Cyrus Bivens, LaRue County High School
Poster winners:
Kindergarten: Cora Metts, Spencer County Elementary School
First grade: Veronica Drees, Fort Wright Elementary School
Second grade: Lane Staples, Hiseville Elementary School
Third grade: Henrietta Clay, St. Mary School
Fourth grade: Landon Staples, Hiseville Elementary School
Fifth grade: Colson Barone, Grant’s Lick Elementary School
Sixth grade: Mattox Shelby, Bourbon County Middle School
Seventh grade: Tha Taw, Burns Middle School
Eighth grade: Katya Tarima, Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary
Ninth grade: Avery Bivens, LaRue County High School
10th grade: Kellie Box, LaRue County High School
11th grade: Jenna Bryant, Henry County High School
12th grade: Alana Houchens, Barren County High School
