A Lakeview Lower School student has earned top honors in a statewide art competition celebrating Georgia’s native wildlife. Elias Krynetskiy, a third grader, was named a first-place winner in Division 3 (1st–2nd grade) of the Georgia DNR Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest.

The annual contest is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and The Environmental Resources Network, Inc. As part of the Kids for Conservation Initiative, the program encourages students in kindergarten through fifth grade to explore and learn about Georgia’s native plants and animals through creative expression.

This year’s theme, “Welcome to the World, Little Ones!”, invited students to highlight young wildlife and the importance of protecting natural habitats. Elias’s winning artwork stood out among entries from across the state for its creativity and thoughtful interpretation of the theme.

The Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest aims to inspire environmental awareness and stewardship in young learners, providing an opportunity for students to connect art with conservation. Elias’s achievement reflects both his artistic talent and his engagement with the natural world.