The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is pleased to announce the Vermont winners of the 2026 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest in partnership with Wildlife Forever.
The department received submissions from Vermont students in grades K-12. Participants selected a fish species found in Vermont waters and submitted an illustration and one-page creative essay on the species.
"The Fish Art Contest is a way for Vermont students to use their creativity and strengthen their knowledge and connection with our environment," said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Education Specialist Corey Hart. "A total of 337 Vermont Students submitted artwork of Vermont fish species. We continue to see schools across Vermont incorporate the contest in unique ways. Examples include full units involving science, art and English teachers teaming up together or extended research projects on specific species. The ways to utilize the contest both in and out of the classroom are numerous and result in unique learning opportunities for Vermont students. We congratulate all of the participants on a job well done and look forward to next year's contest."
The following winners were selected for four age categories:
Grades: K-3
First: Abigail Moskovics: Essex Junction
Second: Oaklee Easton: Guilford
Third: Will Hartman: Starksboro
Grades 4-6:
First: McKenzie Carpenter: Sutton
Second: Silas Waldie: Brandon
Third: Jazlynn Welch: East Barre
Grades: 7-9
First: Oldin Waldie: Brandon
Second: Colby Thomas: Irasburg
Third: Anastasia Elliott: Essex
Grades: 10-12
First: Kara Willett: West Newbury
Second: Amelia Foran: Colchester
Third: Ella Potter: Brandon
Winners will receive a fishing rod and reel, and their art will be entered into a selection process to be featured in the department's forthcoming 2027 Fishing Guide and Regulations publication.