JEFFERSON CITY, MO, April 24, 2020 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has announced the winner of the department’s 2020 Earth Day slogan contest. Bailey Ogle, a fifth grade student from Boswell Elementary in Lebanon, won first place with the slogan, "Use less plastic, it’s Earth-tastic!" Bailey was among 400 Missouri fifth graders from 43 schools who entered the annual slogan contest.
As the slogan contest winner, Bailey will receive a special Earth Day proclamation signed by Governor Mike Parson, a $50 gift card donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City and a rock and mineral set from the Missouri Geological Survey. Bailey’s teacher, Bailey Wilson, will also receive a $50 Wal-Mart gift card. Typically, the slogan winner and teacher are announced and prizes awarded during the annual Earth Day celebration in Jefferson City. However, because this year’s event had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus, the department will make other arrangements to recognize Bailey and Ms. Wilson and present their prizes.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the annual worldwide Earth Day commemoration and the 26th year the department has used the day to help Missourians, especially children, learn about the environment and how to care for it.
While Earth Day festivities can’t be held this year, children of all ages can still celebrate at home. To find a variety of fun ways to learn about the environment and how we all can help take care of the Earth, go the department's Earth Day website at dnr.mo.gov/earth-day.