Larissa Stahl, Tabor, and Sophie Dowling, Murdo, have been named first and second place winners in the 2018 Arbor Day Essay Contest sponsored by South Dakota's conservation districts, McDonald's Restaurants of South Dakota and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture.
Stahl was awarded a plaque, $100 in cash and a McDonald's lined jacket. Her school, Bon Homme Colony School, will receive $150 for the purchase of supplies or equipment. Dowling, the second place winner will receive a plaque and a $75 cash. Third place winner was Connor Torkelson, Wanblee.
The contest provides fifth and sixth grade students the opportunity to write about the importance of Arbor Day and tree planting in South Dakota. South Dakota celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday of April.
