ODOT celebrates 2026 student winners, unveils vibrant new era with “Keep Our Land Grand” art contest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release #25-012 ODOT celebrates 2026 student winners, unveils vibrant new era with “Keep Our Land Grand” art contestOklahoma students are turning creativity into action with bold brushstrokes as ODOT announces the 2026 Trash Poster Contest winners and unveils an exciting new chapter for the beloved program. Reimagined as the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest, the statewide initiative is stepping into a brighter, greener future and inspiring students with a renewed focus on creativity, state pride and environmental responsibility. The refreshed contest introduces statewide voting by local county commissioners and cleaner, greener prize packages, elevating both recognition and impact. Nearly 2,200 students from almost 200 schools entered the contest this year, representing 67 counties across the state. This year’s updated program is designed to reach even more young Oklahomans and inspire a deeper connection to keeping the state beautiful. Fifteen students across four grade divisions, Kindergarten–2nd, 3rd–5th, 6th–8th and 9th-12th, rose to the top in 2026, using color and imagination to spotlight the importance of litter-free highways and communities. Winners earned top honors and cash prizes, including $300 for first place and the Promotional Poster of the Year. Additional awards recognized second and third place, the official entry form design and Postcard of the Year, a new feature of the contest. The young artists were celebrated during an awards ceremony on April 15 and honored at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Their winning designs will take center stage in the 2027 calendar, set to be released this December and shared across the state and beyond.
“This program empowers students to use creativity to be part of the solution,” said Rhonda Fair, Director of Community Engagement. “The transition to the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest reflects that vision, giving students a bigger platform to share their creativity and inspire all Oklahomans to keep our state clean and beautiful.” This year’s winning artwork transforms everyday environmental challenges into eye-catching visual stories, with designs travelling far beyond the classroom, appearing in schools, state agencies and communities to encourage responsible waste disposal and recycling. Litter continues to affect Oklahoma’s environment, safety and economy, with ODOT investing nearly $6 million annually in cleanup efforts. That work is strengthened by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s contributions and thousands of volunteers who roll up their sleeves each year for initiatives like the Great American Cleanup. The success of the contest is made possible through strong partnerships with organizations committed to keeping Oklahoma clean and beautiful, including state agencies, tribal nations, nonprofits and community groups across Oklahoma. The next Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest opens early September 2026, with entries due by Oct 31, 2026. Let your creativity shine and help keep our land grand: cleaner, greener and litter-free for generations to come. View winning art and learn more about the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest by visiting odot.org/tpc. (Editors and News Directors: For questions, please call Oklahoma Department of Transportation Communications at 405-521-6000.) |
