Boone County, the City of Columbia, and the University of Missouri - Columbia Announce Winners of 2026 Earth Day Art Contest
Kip Kendrick, Presiding Commissioner
Justin Aldred, District I Commissioner
Janet Thompson, District II Commissioner
Roger B. Wilson
Boone County Government Center
801 E. Walnut St., Rm 333
Columbia, MO 65201-7732
(573) 886-4305 (573) 886-4311
COLUMBIA, Mo. (February 9, 2026) - Boone County, in partnership with the City of Columbia and the University of Missouri-Columbia, is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Earth Day Art Contest. The inaugural contest invited students from kindergarten through 12th grade to explore creativity while reflecting on the natural world around them.
This year's theme, "How the animals, plants, and nature in Boone County make your life better or more fun," inspired young artists to showcase how local ecosystems enrich daily life. Submissions highlighted wildlife, native plants, outdoor recreation, and the beauty of Boone County's natural landscapes.
Winners were selected in the following age divisions:
- K-2nd Grade: Molly Caldwell and Bennett Kliethermes
- 3rd-5th Grade: Noelle Loar and Georgia Bruton
- 6th-8th Grade: Clara Rodhouse Hawley and Elizabeth Kochert
- 9th-12th Grade: Iris Weber and Liberty Bockting
"The creativity and thoughtfulness shown in these submissions were inspiring," said Michele Woolbright of Boone County Stormwater. "Each piece reflected a strong connection to nature and demonstrated how environmental appreciation begins at a young age."
The Earth Day Art Contest is part of Boone County, the City of Columbia, and the University of Missouri-Columbia's ongoing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program efforts to promote environmental awareness, education, and community engagement through creative expression. All participants were recognized for their contributions, and winners received prizes delivered either by mail or through their schools.
For more information about the Earth Day Art Contest 2026 winners, visit https://www.como.gov/sustainability/earth-day-art-contest-winners/
Bennett Kliethermes, K-2nd Grade
Molly Caldwell, K-2nd Grade
Georgia Bruton, 3rd-5th Grade
Noelle Loar, 3rd-5th Grade
Clara Rodhouse Hawley, 6th-8th Grade
Elizabeth Kochert, 6th-8th Grade
Iris Weber, 9th-12th Grade
Liberty Bockting, 9th-12th Grade
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