BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

A Martin County Middle School student has earned statewide recognition in a conservation writing competition that drew roughly 44,000 entries from across Kentucky.

Olivia Maynard, a seventh grader at Martin County Middle School, was honored March 16 at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ annual awards banquet for her work in the Conservation Writing category of the Jim Claypool Art and Conservation Writing Contest. She was one of 12 students selected statewide.

The banquet, held in conjunction with Kentucky Farm Bureau at the Kentucky Castle Ballroom in Versailles, recognized top student entries from across the Commonwealth.

According to the Martin County Soil & Water Conservation District, Maynard’s writing was recognized for its creativity and for highlighting the importance of conservation, particularly Kentucky wetlands and their role in the environment.

The Martin County Soil & Water Conservation District will host a local awards banquet April 7 at 6 p.m. at the Martin County Extension Office to honor participants and winners from this year’s competition.