Lilja Duck Stamp Artwork

Now that our official Junior Duck Stamp contest pieces have been sent off for review, we have taken students' second best picture of their goose, duck or swan to display in our in-house Lilja Duck Stamp contest. We have given the pieces numbers rather than names to have the artwork stand for itself (but your child will be able to tell you which is theirs).

We sent out ballots to our specialist teachers, front office staff, custodians, learning support teachers and counselors. They rate which pictures they would honor with a 1st, 2nd, 3rd place award or an honorable mention from each class. The students with the most points awarded will receive a small prize. While we know the chances of our students winning any recognitions from the actual Duck Stamp contest is extremely unlikely (most are given to home-schooled students who have private art lessons) they have a much better chance of earning a merit in our in-house contest.

Part of this exercise is also a practice in winning and losing a contest graciously - how to congratulate a winner when you are also feeling a bit disappointed that you did not win, and how to accept accolades gracefully without bragging or gloating. Both are important lessons.

The collective wall of work looks amazing and many students and staff have stopped in to compliment the artwork and the effort of the students in this endeavor. Each child grew so much throughout this experience in their skills as an observational artist - we think they are all winners!