TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management is recognizing 13 winners of the 2022 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition. This year’s theme was “Recycle Right – What Really Belongs in the Recycle Bin.”

This is the 23rd anniversary of the Keep It Clean Kansas (KICK) calendar. Each year, students from across Kansas (grades K-12) are encouraged to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the annual calendar.

“Every submission to the Keep It Clean Kansas calendar contest shows the importance of recycling,” said Ashley Goss, acting secretary. “Recycling the correct materials will ensure a healthy and clean Kansas for future generations.”

The KICK Calendar project was created to encourage students to be engaged in environmental issues in their communities. Thirteen winners, one from each grade, are selected to be featured in the calendar.

Area winners were: First grade - Gracen Kasper, Ellsworth Elementary School - Cover Winner; Seventh grade - Sofia Simic, Hoisington Middle School; Eighth grade - Macie Ortiz, Wilson Schools.

Those interested in ordering a copy of the free calendar may contact kdhe.keepitcleankansas@ks.gov.