Greenfield Artists Bring Home Most Wins from State Fire Prevention Poster Contest
Out of more than 400 posters submitted to Tennessee’s Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest last fall, only 16 winners from kindergarten through 12th grade could take their grade’s top spot and be celebrated at last weekend’s luncheon for artists and their families held in Nashville. For the first time in the more than three decades that Greenfield School has participated, three student artists claimed those top spots -- Andi Porter for third grade, Audrey Cooper for seventh grade and senior Garrett Garner.
Each year, local fire departments encourage local schools to promote the contest. In Greenfield Fire Chief Bob Dudley and the city’s fire firefighters select the top three winners for the town and then recognize them during the Fire Prevention Week parade. All the grade level winners, as chosen by a school team of judges, are then sent on to Nashville for judging.
Though Porter was unable to attend the event held February 5 in the winning artists’ honor, she, along with fellow winners Cooper and Garner will receive a $50 check and certificate signed by the State Fire Marshall and Governor.
Principal Jeff Cupples credits the efforts of new art teacher Jaquelynn Dortch for the high level of participation in this year’s contest. More than 100 posters utilizing the theme “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” were submitted for judging by grade level.
“We’ve been bragging on the art talent we have in the building, and this is just another example of what our kids can do when given the opportunity,” he said.
Dudley noted that he was pleased to be serving as President of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association when Greenfield brought home more honors than ever before.
“These three make 34 winners from Greenfield Schools since 1980,” he added. “I want to express big thanks to the kids and the families for allowing them to do this.”
The school winning posters were previously displayed at Greenfield Banking Company during Fire Prevention Week in the fall. Photos of the state winners will be highlighted during the Dresden basketball game at Greenfield on Tuesday, February 8.
Principal Jeff Cupples and Greenfield Fire Chief Bob Dudley were pleased to celebrate state Fire Prevention Week Poster winners (from left to right) Audrey Cooper for seventh grade, Garrett Garner for twelfth grade and Andi Porter for third grade. Three artists taking the top spots for their grade levels is unprecedented in the more than 30 years that Greenfield School has participated, noted Dudley, and marked the most from any school in the state.