State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen and Attorney General Knudsen Announce Missing Children’s Poster Contest
HELENA - Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and Attorney General Austin Knudsen have opened the 41st annual National Missing Children’s Poster contest, with the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” The contest is open to all Montana fifth-grade students. Montana students have participated in the national poster contest since 2009. The 2023 winner was Samantha Salley from Helena.
Students must meet the following criteria:
- Original and handcrafted art
- 8 ½ x 14 inches
- Include the words “Bringing Our Missing Children Home”
- Include a written application, which includes a description of the poster and a brief biography of the artist
- Submissions must be received by March 4, 2024
The posters cannot contain digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs, or stamping. The poster will be judged on originality, creativity, the use of color and materials, and the reflection of the contest theme. The written application will be judged on clarity, comprehension, and grammar.
“We must always protect Montana’s most precious resources, which are our children,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Families and communities throughout our state are greatly affected by even one missing child. I am grateful for the awareness raised for Montana’s missing children by the partnership between our 5th grade classrooms, the Department of Justice, and my office.”
“One missing child in Montana is too many. At the Montana Department of Justice, we are committed to bringing missing children home and holding those who prey on them accountable,” Attorney General Austin Knudsen said. “The Montana fifth graders who participate in this contest help us raise awareness and accomplish that mission.”
The winner of this year’s contest will receive a cash prize of $100, will be awarded a pizza party with their class, and will be entered into the national contest. The national poster winner will win a trip to Washington DC and will participate in the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony on May 22, 2024.
In Montana, 77 children have been located through 55 AMBER Alerts since 2003. for more information on AMBER Alerts, Montana’s Missing Persons programs, and to view the current list of missing Montanans, please visit https://dojmt.gov/missing-persons/.
Submit posters and applications to:
Missing Persons Clearinghouse
PO Box 201417 Helena, MT 59620
For questions, please contact Brian Frost, AMBER Alert Coordinator at the Montana Department of Justice, at (406) 444-2483.
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