— WAGONER — Serenity Williams’ Wagoner Bulldog won a prize and was selected to appear in a calendar.

Serenity’s artwork, the Wagoner Bulldog, and her slogan, “Litter is ruff” have been published in the 2012 calendar for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation annual Trash Poster Contest.

“It’s actually pretty fun,” Serenity said. “I already have another slogan for next year.”

Serenity, 11, of Central Intermediate School in Wagoner has placed in the top 12 for the second year in a row.

“I was so excited that it’s January’s. That’s when my birthday is,” she said.

Serenity’s 2011 slogan was, “Wanted. A cleaner Earth.” It listed how long certain types of litter take to decompose and was styled after an old-Western “wanted” poster.

The contest isn’t only about the art — it’s about the slogans too, said Melody Johnson, coordinator of ODOT Beautification Office.

“Even if students don’t have their artwork published, I try to get as many slogans printed in the calendar as possible too,” she said.

The Trash Poster Contest focuses on solutions to Oklahoma litter problems.

The 2012 calendar features several area student winners. Many others from the area grace the front and back covers.

Entries are being accepted for next year’s calendar.

Students from kindergarten to 12th grade have until Jan. 31 to enter the 21st annual Trash Poster Contest.

Winners from each county across the state will be submitted to the ODOT Beautification Office, and 12 will earn a spot in the 2013 calendar.

Those top students win money, T-shirts, and a visit to Oklahoma legislators, Johnson said.

The first place winner at the state level will win $250, second $150 and third $100.

Serenity placed third for the 2012 calendar. Her sponsoring teacher also won $50 to buy art supplies for her classroom and a two-day stay at a state park of her choice.

“They usually have a sponsoring teacher, and the teacher wins prizes too,” Johnson said.

The top 12 state winners will also attend a luncheon on April 18, then be introduced to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogeephoenix.com.

To enter

Visit www.okladot.state.ok.us/beauty for contest rules and instructions to enter the 21st Annual Trash Poster Contest.



Featured artwork

Area students featured in the 2012 calendar:

January — Serenity Williams, fifth grade.

Honorable mentions on front and back cover:

Ryan Parisotto, fifth grade, Muskogee.

Quan Phan, 12th grade, Muskogee.

Jacob Scott, ninth grade, Fort Gibson.

Shelby Sidell, 10th grade, Park Hill.