Young artists from across the state were honored in the 2025 North Dakota Junior Duck Stamp competition, with students from Bismarck, Valley City, Baldwin, and beyond taking top prizes in the annual youth art program celebrating conservation through creativity. Winners were selected in four age groups: Grades K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12, with first, second, and third place awards given in each group.
In Group 1 (K-3), Ellie Buchholz, Frankie Dally, and Quinn Beese, all from Bismarck, took first place honors. In Group 2 (Grades 4-6), Charlotte Hackley of Alexander, Caleb Coleman of Baldwin, and Herminio Guzman of Leeds were named first place winners. Group 3 (Grades 7-9) recognized RU-BOS winner Gabe Coleman of Baldwin, along with Joanie McCormack from Wilton and Elly Tombarge from Valley City. Topping Group 4 (Grades 10-12) was BOS winner Francheska Flores-Gagarita of Valley City, joined by Adalee Foote of Thompson and Layni Bakalar of Valley City.
Second and third place winners came from towns across the state including Beulah, Devils Lake, Hope, and Minot, demonstrating the wide reach and talent nurtured by the program. Dozens more students received Honorable Mentions for their work, showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic expression and dedication to the Junior Duck Stamp program’s mission of combining wildlife art with conservation education. Special congratulations to Minot’s Gracie Boschert who placed 3rd in Group 4 and to all of the students in Mrs. Burns North Plains Elementary class who participated in the Jr Duck Stamp program this year.
Administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Junior Duck Stamp Program encourages K-12 students to explore wetlands, waterfowl, and wildlife conservation while expressing their observations through art. North Dakota’s 2025 entries reflect both exceptional creativity and a deep appreciation for the state’s natural beauty. https://www.dakotalegacyinitiative.com/programs/junior-duck-stamp-program/
