(INDIANAPOLIS) – In 1983, May 25th was proclaimed National Missing Children’s Day. Every year, the U.S. Department of Justice sponsors a Missing Children’s Poster contest for fifth graders across the United States.
The theme of the contest is “Bringing Our Missing Children Home”.
The Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana State Police/Indiana Clearinghouse for Information on Missing Children & Missing Endangered Adults coordinate the contest within the State of Indiana. The contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and parents/guardians to discuss and promote child safety. Information for next year’s contest will be sent to all schools later this year.
There were 16 posters submitted to the state for this year’s contest. Although Indiana did not have the national winner, personnel from the Clearinghouse visited the schools of the top three poster winners in Indiana and presented the participants with certificates of participation. This commemoration could not happen without the dedication of the schools, teachers, faculty members, parents, students, and the Indiana State Police Alliance.
The top three winners in Indiana were:
Maycee was an independent submission under the direction of her mother, Dawn DeBolt. Sergeant Danielle Elwood-Henderson and the Clearinghouse surprised Maycee and her brother Evan at school to lunch with them at school.
1st place winner Maycee DeBolt from Three Creeks Elementary, Lowell, IN and Sergeant Danielle Elwood-Henderson
2nd place winner Kylynn Knew (3rd from left) and 3rd place winner Carter Flynn (1st from left), students of Wes-Del Elementary, Gaston, IN
To learn more about the National Missing Children’s Day Poster contest visit: https://www.ojjdp.gov/missingchildrensday/
If ever a child goes missing, contact your local police department or dial 9-1-1. It is also a good idea to keep an updated picture or cell phone image, and a DNA sample from your child. For more safety and prevention tips please visit http://www.in.gov/amberalert/2335.htm
