TOPEKA—Students from across the state recently put their creative talents to work to help spread the message about fire safety by participating in the Fire Safety Poster Contest conducted annually by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The agency is delighted to announce the winners of this contest who were honored by Governor Brownback and State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen at a ceremony in the Governor’s office Friday.

The winning posters, along with those earning Honorable Mention recognition, are currently being featured on a display in the Capitol Building rotunda and are highlighted in the 2018 Fire Safety Calendar.

The competition kicked off in October in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week. The poster contest is designed to support the fire safety education efforts of local fire departments. Participants were asked to use this year’s theme, “Every Second Counts, Know 2 Ways Out,” in their entries.

“Teaching fire safety to our youngest learners in Kansas is critical to promoting a safer Kansas for the future,” State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen said. “We very much appreciate the efforts of all students who participated, and the schools and teachers who recognize the importance of ensuring their students know about this important subject.”

Schools across Kansas encouraged participation from their students, who demonstrated their knowledge of fire safety that they have learned in school or at home. The poster contest was divided into grade categories: Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Northwest Kansas winner was Blaire Beougher, third grade, Stockton Grade School, Stockton, Kansas

Several students’ entries are being recognized as s and their posters are also featured in the annual Fire Safety Calendar along with the winners.

Northwest Kansas honorable mention were Sara Pando, third-grade, Greeley County Elementary School, Tribune, Kansas and Hailey Nolan, fourth-grade, Greeley County Elementary School, Tribune, Kansas