Doland student wins South Dakota Arbor Day Creative Writing Contest

May 6, 2022

PIERRE, S.D. – Brodie Boomsma of Doland, Taryn Bartel of Wessington Springs, and Olivia Konechne of Plankinton are the top three finishers in the 2022 South Dakota Arbor Day Creative Writing Contest. The winners were selected from the 690 entries submitted by fifth and sixth grade students across the state.

In addition to learning more about trees, contest winners receive awards and cash prizes.

First place winner Brodie Boomsma receives a plaque and $125 in cash. His school, Doland School, will receive $150 for the purchase of supplies or equipment. Second place winner Taryn Bartel will receive a plaque and $100 cash while Olivia Konechne will receive a plaque and $75 for earning third place.

All three winners will read their creative writings and receive their prizes during special Arbor Day celebrations in their hometown areas. All students who entered the contest will receive a packet of tree seeds courtesy of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources-Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry Division.