The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded 16-year-old Vista Ridge High School student Kal Athannassov top honors – Best of Show in Colorado – at the 2011 Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Athannassov’s artwork was selected from hundreds of entries from across Colorado. His acrylic paint rendition of a Fulvous Whistling Duck, entitled “Before the Storm,” represented Colorado at the National Junior Duck Stamp Competition in Washington, D.C. at the end of April. The winner of the national contest was not available to the NFH before this edition went to press.Entries from Colorado were judged by a panel of waterfowl enthusiasts, biologists and professional wildlife artists. Recognition for all participants and prizes for the top 25 drawings in each of four age groups (K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12) are awarded each year.This year’s award ceremony will take place May 14, from 1-3 p.m. at The Arvada Center for The Performing Arts. Members of the public, teachers, students and families are welcome to join the celebration.
