Hockenbury wins first place at the Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest

Michella Hockenbury was a first-place winner at the annual 2023 Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest in Pennsylvania. Her art entry also received a Certificate of Appreciation for participation in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program. Michella submitted her drawing done in pastels of a ruddy duck. Students were judged in four groups according to grade level: K-3, 4–6, 7-9, and 10-12. To enter the competition Michella had to create her vision of a waterfowl found in North America in their natural habitat. Artwork was judged on the basis of originality, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for reproduction on a postage stamp. Michella is a fifth grade student at Rice Elementary. Michella attends weekly private art lessons and entered the contest under the direction of her art instructor. Along with her blue ribbon for first place and her Certificate of Appreciation, Michella received $50 for her artistic talent in her grade category at the state level.