Montana Opens Submissions for 42nd Annual National Missing Children’s Poster Contest
The Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) have announced that submissions are now open for the 42nd Annual National Missing Children’s Poster Contest.
This annual contest invites Montana fifth graders to showcase their artistic talents by submitting pieces that embody the theme of “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” The contest aims to raise awareness of the issue of missing children and offers participants an opportunity to win a trip to Washington, D.C.
Honoring Talented Young Artists
A winning Montana poster will be selected, and the artist will receive a $100 cash prize and the chance to celebrate with Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen.
The winning poster will then be submitted to the national contest. The national poster contest winner, accompanied by parents and a teacher, will be awarded a trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony on May 21, 2025.
Promoting Awareness and Safety Education
Attorney General Knudsen highlighted the significance of the contest in bringing awareness to the problem of missing children and educating young Montanans about staying safe. He encouraged every fifth grader in Montana to participate, emphasizing the ongoing commitment of the Montana Department of Justice in finding the missing and bringing them home.
Superintendent Susie Hedalen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the tragic impact of every missing child and the contest's role in educating students about staying safe and protecting children. Through the partnership with the Montana Department of Justice, she highlighted the effort to bring hope to families and make a meaningful difference.
Submission Guidelines and Criteria
Student artwork must adhere to specific criteria and will be judged on originality, creativity, use of color and materials, and the reflection of the contest theme.
The artwork must be handcrafted, measure 8 ½ x 14 inches, and prominently feature the words “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” Notably, posters with digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs, and stamping will not be accepted.
Each poster submission must include a written poster contest student application form, which will be evaluated based on the level of understanding, clarity, and grammar suitable for fifth-grade students.
Longstanding Commitment and Ongoing Efforts
Montana has actively participated in the national “Bringing Our Missing Children Home” poster contest since 2009. Furthermore, the DOJ’s ongoing initiatives, including the issuance of 55 AMBER Alerts since 2003, have assisted in locating 77 children, including four who were deceased.
Submission Details and Important Deadlines
All posters and student application forms should be received by February 28, 2025. Submissions should be sent to the following address:
Montana Department of Justice
Missing Persons Clearinghouse
2225 11th Avenue
PO Box 201406
Helena, MT 59620
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