AASHTO Journal - KYTC Names Adopt-a-Highway Art Winners

Students from five Kentucky counties earned first place in the 2022 Adopt-a-Highway Art Contest sponsored by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

[Above photo via the KYTC]

The agency said it received more than 300 entries from across the state, with participants ranging in age from five to 17, for this year’s contest. The top finishers in each of four age divisions receive a $100 gift card, while second- and third place finishers each receive a $50 gift card.

First- through third-place recipients for all age groups will have their pieces framed and displayed at the KYTC Office Building in Frankfort, KY.

“Congratulations to all the top finishers in the 2022 Adopt-a-Highway Art Contest,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray in a statement. “They not only have produced some impressive artwork. They also have done a public service by promoting the message that a ‘Litter free Kentucky’ and cleaner highways is a responsibility we all share.”

“One way we make a Better Kentucky is to make a cleaner Kentucky,” added Governor Andy Beshear (D). “These students have done great work in using their creativity to remind us all how to be good neighbors by keeping our neighborhoods, parks, and highways clean. I’m proud that our youngest citizens are taking action to promote a cleaner Kentucky.”

Many state departments of transportation sponsor art contests as a way to engage students in a variety of transportation-related issues.

For example, three North Carolina students – all from the same hometown – earned top honors in the 2021 International Aviation Art Contest after first winning a statewide contest sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and later a national contest hosted by the National Association of State Aviation Officials in Washington, D.C.

“This is truly amazing,” said Eric Boyette, NCDOT’s secretary, after the winner announcements in April 2021. “It is a real testament to the great, home-grown talent and creativity we have in North Carolina. We’re very proud to honor these outstanding young artists.”

The NCDOT recently saluted the winners of its 2022 North Carolina Aviation Art Contest – sponsored by the North Carolina Airports Association, which provides cash prizes to the winners and their schools.