INEZ — The Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District recognized students from across the county April 7 during its annual Art & Writing Contest Banquet, honoring participation and top entries in this year’s competition.

Students from local elementary, middle and high schools attended the banquet at the Martin County Cooperative Extension Services office, where all participants were recognized for their work. Families, educators and community members also gathered for the evening celebration, which included refreshments and door prizes.

This year’s contest theme, “Kentucky Wetlands Up Close,” encouraged students to explore the value of wetlands and the importance of conservation.

The contest featured the Jim Claypool Art Contest for grades K-5 and a Conservation Writing Contest for grades 6-12.

Art contest participants were Lilly David, Paylen Gannon, Harper Kendrick, Avianna Maynard, Maddie Fletcher, Brystol Coots and Jasmine Hamilton.

Top finishers in the art division were Jasmine Hamilton, first place; Brystol Coots, second place; and Maddie Fletcher, third place.

Writing contest participants were Richie Isom, Kason Evans, Graycee Harless, Josslyn Hunt, Serenity Hart, Kennedy Mills, Christal Hinkle and Olivia Maynard.

In the writing division, first-place honors went to Olivia Maynard and Christal Hinkle. Kennedy Mills placed second and Serenity Hart placed third.

Inez Elementary was named the winning school in the art division.

Martin County Middle School earned top honors in the writing division.