Montrose, CO – For the first time ever, a Montrose student has won the statewide Earth Day Coloring Contest. Avila Lanford, a 3rd Grade student at Pomona Elementary, was honored by the Montrose City Council Tuesday evening for winning the 3rd-5th grade level of the annual Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, coloring contest.
 
“I’m proud of you, and all of Montrose is proud of you,” Montrose Mayor Roy Anderson told Lanford while presenting her with an award of recognition from the council.  

In April, Lanford won the 3rd Grade division of the 2018 Montrose Earth Week Coloring Contest. She was announced as the local winner at the City of Montrose’s Arbor Day celebration April 21, at Buckley Park. The winners of the local contests, ranging from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade, were then sent to the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, NRCS State office for the statewide contest. 

“I’m excited, proud, (and) happy,” the nine-year-old Lanford said. “I’m thankful for my family for teaching me great art skills.”

Lanford accepted the award along with prizes from the NRCS with her older brother Tobin; mother Kim and aunt Pam Munger.
 
The City of Montrose, in partnership with Shavano Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), presents the annual Earth Day coloring contest. This year’s contest worksheets focus on the importance of protecting the environment and natural resources. This year marks the thirteenth year celebrating Earth Day with NRCS Earth Day Coloring Contest Worksheets.

Earth Day is a nationwide celebration held on April 22nd that promotes "environmental goodwill" throughout communities and emphasizes the importance of protecting our environment and natural resources. 

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