Sophia Reik's Artwork Wins 3rd Place in the 9-11 Division for the 2023 Adopt-A-Highway Art Contest

Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 12 students representing 11 Kentucky counties were top finishers in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s 2023 Adopt-A-Highway Art Contest. The annual contest allows young Kentuckians to showcase their talents while promoting an important message of keeping roadsides free of litter. This year’s theme “Can it, Kentucky” drew in nearly 900 entries statewide from students ages 5-18.

The winning art came from students representing 12 unique schools. “We’re thankful to have young and talented Kentuckians lend a hand at sharing an important message to encourage us all to do our part to keep Kentucky beautiful,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.

Adding his congratulations to the winners, KYTC Secretary Jim Gray touched on the importance of promoting a cleaner Kentucky. “Litter-free roadsides do more than protect our scenic byways; they also keep harmful materials from washing off roads and sidewalks and into our drinking water,” said Secretary Jim Gray. “We’re grateful to have students be part of the solution of maintaining a clean and safe environment.”

The top finishers in each of the four age divisions will receive a $100 gift card, while second- and third- place finishers will each receive a $50 gift card. First- through third-place recipients for all age groups will have their pieces displayed at the Transportation Cabinet Office Building in Frankfort.

Sophia Reik, a 6th-grade student at Garrard Middle School, achieved the 3rd Place position overall in the 9-11 Division. Garrard County Schools take great pride in her dedication and effort on the project.

The Adopt-A-Highway program is a statewide volunteer effort to reduce roadside litter and keep
Kentucky’s highways beautiful. Litter-free roads promote a clean environment, foster civic pride, and save taxpayer dollars. More information on Kentucky’s Adopt-A-Highway program can be found at https://transportation.ky.gov/AdoptaHighway/Pages/default.aspx.

View Sophia's Winning Artwork Below: