TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management is recognizing 13 winners of the 2021 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition. 

This is the 22nd anniversary of the Keep It Clean Kansas (KICK) calendar. Each year, students from across Kansas (grades K-12) are encouraged to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the annual calendar. 

“These pieces of art promote a healthy and clean Kansas through environmentally friendly practices such as reducing, reusing, recycling and composting,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary.

The KICK Calendar project was created to encourage students to be engaged in environmental issues in their communities. Thirteen winners, one from each grade, are selected to be featured in the calendar.

Kindergarten – Layna Keith, Wilson Schools, Wilson

1st Grade – Ella Wang, Amanda Arnold Elementary, Manhattan 

2nd Grade – Haylee Hollingshead, Central Plains, Claflin

3rd Grade – Ishaan Vinod, Marlatt Elementary, Manhattan

4th Grade – Isabelle Kaufman, St. Patrick Catholic School, Kingman 

5th Grade – Celia Courtright, Marlatt Elementary, Manhattan 

6th Grade – Abigail Wondra, Amanda Arnold Elementary, Manhattan 

7th Grade – Belle Hancock, Riley County Middle School, Riley 

8th Grade – Tessa Williams, Riley County Middle School, Riley 

9th Grade – Kena Leonard, Paola High School, Paola 

10th Grade – Eleanor Rieck, St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic High School, Pittsburg – Cover Winner!

11th Grade – Abigail Vanjar, Cheney High School, Cheney 

12th Grade – Zoey Lee, Wichita High School East, Wichita 

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, there will not be a party for winners of the 2021 KICK calendar contest.”We are sad that we won’t celebrate the winners in person, but everyone’s safety is a top priority,” sponsors said. “We will be using the funds generally spent on the party to award each of the winners a gift card.” 

Those interested in ordering a copy of the free calendar may contact keepitcleankansas@ks.gov.