News Release Distributed 05/15/15

BATON ROUGE, La. – Focusing on the theme “Louisiana’s Coast: Our Unique Culture,” more than 250 students from across the state competed in the second annual Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and 4-H Youth Wetlands Program poetry contest.

Winners were named in each of the three age groups: upper elementary, middle school and high school. First place winners in each division received a $200 cash award with their teacher receiving a $50 award.

Second place contestants received $100, and third-place individuals received $50.

The winners in the upper elementary division were: first place, Nathan Deville, Lecompte, Rapides Parish; second place, Kallie Pitre, Dry Creek, Beauregard Parish; third place, Elaina Ruiz, Convent, St. James Parish.

Middle school winners were: first place, Savannah Sims, New Iberia, Iberia Parish; second place, Jordan Mazzeno, Albany, Livingston Parish; third place, Tyler Bullock, St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish.

High school winners were: first place, Camille Touchet, Jeanerette, Iberia Parish; second place, Katie White, St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish; third place, Paycen Brouillette, St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish.

The poems can be found at http://coastal.la.gov/poetrycontest/ and will be featured in CPRA and 4-H Youth Wetlands Program publications.

Craig Gautreaux