The artwork of 13 Nebraska students will be featured in the 2022 “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” environmental calendar. The statewide contest is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) and focuses on the importance of waste reduction, recycling and litter cleanup.

The students whose submissions were selected for the 2022 calendar were invited to a ceremony at the State Capitol on Friday, August 6, where they were honored by Gov. Pete Ricketts and NDEE Director Jim Macy. Each month, the calendar features one of the 12 winning environmental posters. A 13th winner’s artwork provides the cover for the calendar.

The entry featured on the cover was submitted by Milagros Rodriguez, a fifth-grade student from Knickrehm Elementary School in Grand Island.

The other 12 winners who are featured in the calendar are:
 

Emory Christensen, a sixth-grade student from Maxwell Public Schools, Maxwell.

Aubrey Dudden, a third-grade student from St. Agnes Academy, Alliance.

Maggie Falcone, a third-grade student from Lourdes Central Catholic, Nebraska City.

Greta Feinstein, a second-grade student from Rockbook Elementary, Omaha.

Rogan Hoesing, a sixth-grade student from Wausa Public Schools, Wausa.

Jake Holt, a Kindergarten student from St. Joseph Catholic School, Atkinson.

Luis Jimenez Espinoza, a fifth-grade student from Knickrehm Elementary, Grand Island.

Landri Nemetz, a fourth-grade student from St. Joseph Catholic School, Atkinson.

Lillian Stockton, a third-grade student from Aspen Creek Elementary, Omaha.

Jacqueline Stoner, a seventh-grade student from Scotus Central Catholic, Columbus.

Brianna Ramirez, a sixth-grade student from Belle Ryan Elementary, Omaha.

Ciera Uhrich, a ninth-grade student from Falls City High School, Falls City.

“As in previous years, we received over a thousand entries from talented artists across the state, making it tough for our judges to choose only 13,” Macy said. “It is our hope that selections for the 2022 calendar convey the important message of protecting the environment in unique and varied ways.”

To receive a free copy of the calendar, you can email the NDEE public information office at NDEE.moreinfo@nebraska.gov or call the office at 402-471-2186.