Cleaner highways reduce debris risks, protect equipment, and improve overall driving conditions, and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is reinforcing that message through its 2026 “Keep Our Land Grand” student art contest. The agency recognized 15 winners whose work focuses on litter prevention across Oklahoma roadways, a reminder of how public behavior directly impacts the roads truck drivers use every day.
The contest, now in its 35th year, introduced the “Keep Our Land Grand” theme and drew nearly 2,200 entries from close to 200 schools across 67 counties. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade across public, private, charter, tribal, home school, and correctional education programs participated, expanding the reach of the message into communities connected to the same highways drivers depend on.
Fifteen students earned recognition across four grade divisions, along with additional promotional awards. Winners received top honors and cash prizes, including $300 for first place and the Promotional Poster of the Year.
Kindergarten through Second Grade
- First Place: Josephine C., 2nd Grade, Pittsburg County
- Second Place: Hallie H., 1st Grade, McClain County
- Third Place: Eilee K., 1st Grade, McCurtain County
Third through Fifth Grade
- First Place: Anamaria S., 4th Grade, Oklahoma County
- Second Place: Maria W., 4th Grade, Oklahoma County
- Third Place: Ruth E., 5th Grade, Cleveland County
Sixth through Eighth Grade
- First Place: Westley G., 6th Grade, Bryan County
- Second Place: Sadie B., 7th Grade, McCurtain County
- Third Place: Sutton L., 6th Grade, Bryan County
Ninth through Twelfth Grade
- First Place: Lailey I., 12th Grade, Marshall County
- Second Place: Franchesca L. V., 12th Grade, Love County
- Third Place: Emily E., 12th Grade, Woodward County
Promotional Art
- Entry Form Poster: Layla K., 7th Grade, Comanche County
- Postcard: Isabella W., 12th Grade, McClain County
- Promotional Poster: Rilyn T., 11th Grade, Bryan County
Winners were recognized during an April 15 ceremony and honored at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Their artwork will be featured in ODOT’s 2027 calendar, which is set for release in December and will be distributed across the state and beyond, keeping the message visible to residents, travelers, and commercial drivers throughout the year.
For drivers, roadside litter is more than an appearance issue. Debris can damage tires, create unsafe lane conditions, and increase cleanup operations that affect traffic flow. Programs like this are designed to influence long-term habits, encouraging cleaner roads that benefit everyone using them.
“This program empowers students to use creativity to be part of the solution,” said Rhonda Fair, director of community engagement for ODOT. “The transition to the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest reflects that vision, giving students a bigger platform to share their creativity and inspire all Oklahomans to keep our state clean and beautiful.”
The next Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest is scheduled to begin in early September 2026, with entries due by October 31, 2026. The program will continue using student artwork to promote litter-free highways and reinforce safer road conditions across Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Keep Our Land Grand Art Contest?
It is an annual student art contest organized by ODOT to promote litter-free highways and communities across Oklahoma.
How many students participated in 2026?
Nearly 2,200 students from almost 200 schools across 67 counties entered the contest.
How many winners were selected?
Fifteen students across four grade divisions, along with additional promotional award winners.
What do winners receive?
Cash prizes, recognition, and placement in statewide materials, including the ODOT calendar.
When does the next contest begin?
Early September 2026, with entries due by October 31, 2026.
Cleaner highways depend on consistent effort from everyone on the road. Programs like this extend that responsibility beyond drivers and into the communities connected to the same routes.
The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Source: The Trucker
