Above is the thank you card the Aquatic Education Program of the IDNR received today from Drew, a first-grader from Berg Elementary, who won his age division in the IDNR "Take It Outside Art Conest ". We are very happy to see that Drew is excited to go fishing and spend time outdoors with his family! Below is an excerpt from the letter we also received from Drew's art teacher, Chris Noel. Thank you Chris for the wonderful letter! We loved hearing from you!

“Thank you so much for sponsoring this contest and providing opportunities for students to express themselves creatively about nature. One of my first grade students, Drew ****, won in his age division. He and his family were very excited to learn of his accomplishment

and recognition….As an art teacher, I get bombarded with contest possibilities. Yours is one I can work into the curriculum in a meaningful way. This year we first had a discussion about animals that live in Iowa. I used the Smokey the Bear posters I got at the Iowa Arboretum years ago. Then we talked about composition, and looked at some examples. Finally, I reminded students of the self-portraits they had done earlier in the year since they were to include themselves in the picture….Again, thanks so much for providing this opportunity for young people, and for the wonderful prize packages you award.”

-          Chris Noel, Art Department, Newton Community School District