KDHE recognizes 13 winners of 2022 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management recognized 13 winners of 2022 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition on Monday. This year’s theme was “Recycle Right – What Really Belongs in the Recycle Bin”.

KDHE said this is the 23rd anniversary of the Keep It Clean Kansas (KICK) calendar.

Each year, students from across Kansas (grades K-12) are encouraged to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the annual calendar.

“Every submission to the Keep It Clean Kansas calendar contest shows the importance of recycling,” said Ashley Goss, Acting Secretary. “Recycling the correct materials will ensure a healthy and clean Kansas for future generations.”

The KICK Calendar project was created to encourage students to be engaged in environmental issues in their communities.

KDHE said thirteen winners, one from each grade, are selected to be featured in the calendar.

Here are the winners:

Kindergarten - Harper Thibault, Southwest Elementary School, Pratt

1st Grade - Gracen Kasper, Ellsworth Elementary School, Ellsworth - Cover Winner!

2nd Grade - Harper Carpenter, Garfield Elementary, Parsons

3rd Grade - Gabby Kusmaul, Madison Elementary, Madison

4th Grade - Cindy Nguyen, Isely Traditional Magnet Elementary, Bel Aire

5th Grade - Hana Nguyen. Colvin Elementary, Wichita

6th Grade - Gwenyth McDow, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, Lawrence

7th Grade - Sofia Simic, Hoisington Middle School, Hoisington

8th Grade - Macie Ortiz, Wilson Schools, Wilson