OKEECHOBEE — Several Okeechobee children entered the National Association of Conservation Districts’ (NACD) annual poster contest and progressed to the state level. Two of those entries, Ishrat Khan and Lila Corbitt, placed first on the state level and will proceed to the national contest. Winners will be announced in February 2026.

Beginning in 1955, the week starting on the last Sunday in April and ending on the first Sunday in May has been celebrated as Stewardship Week. Though this week is the official stewardship week, communities are encouraged to educate their children on the habitats where they live.

The 2025 theme is “Home is Where the Habitat is.” Students from K-5 through 12^th are encouraged to enter. The contest is open to public, private and home-educated students. Winners in the local district move on to area/region and then those winners move on to the state level.

Ishrat Khan, kindergarten - first grade category,  and her poster was selected first place winner on the state level.

Lila Corbitt just completed fifth grade and said she loves drawing and painting so was very excited when she learned of the poster contest. She and her mom went on a bike ride around their neighborhood to see what animals lived in the area. “I wanted to include all of them,” said Lila.

Local winners were

Ishrat Khan K-5-1 grade

Campbell Streelman 2-3 grade

Lila Corbitt 4-6 grade

Aiden Watson 7-9 grade

On the state level, Ishrat and Lila placed first. Only first place winners proceed to the national competition.

If your child is interested in entering the contest next year, reach out to Vicki Wheeler at the Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District. Her number is 863-623-3240 or she can be reached by email at Victoria.wheeler@okeechobeeswcd.org.