2023 Adopt-A-Highway Art Contest Winners Announced

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 9:45 AM

12 Kentucky students selected from nearly 900 entries to promote litter-free roadsides.

Simran Lad's first place artwork in the 5-8 age category. Photo provided.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – On Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear announced that 12 students representing 11 Kentucky counties were top finishers in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s 2023 Adopt-A-Highway Art Contest.

The annual contest allows young Kentuckians to showcase their talents while promoting an important message of keeping roadsides free of litter.

This year’s theme “Can it, Kentucky” drew in nearly 900 entries statewide from students ages 5-18.

Locally, Shirley Mann Elementary School (Boone County) student Simran Lad placed first in the 5-8 age category.

The top finishers in each of the four age divisions received a $100 gift card, while second and third place finishers received $50 gift cards.

Each of the top finishers will have their artwork displayed at the Transportation Cabinet Office Building in Frankfort.

“Litter-free roadsides do more than protect our scenic byways; they also keep harmful materials from washing off roads and sidewalks and into our drinking water,” said Secretary Jim Gray. “We’re grateful to have students be part of the solution of maintaining a clean and safe environment.”

The 2023 contest winners are:

5-8 age category

1st place Simran Lad Shirley Mann Elementary School, Boone County

2nd place Cruz Melton Greenville Elementary School, Muhlenberg County

3rd place Joshua James Victory Arts, Carter County

9-11 age category

1st place Meera Patel Good Shepherd School, Franklin County

2nd place Natalie Leake Old Kentucky Home Middle School, Nelson County

3rd place Sophia Reik Garrard Middle School, Garrard County

12-14 age category

1st place Blakely Callahan South Laurel High School, Laurel County

2nd place Kathryn Whitecotton Heritage Christian Academy, Christian County