A fourth grader from Superior Elementary School won first place in Energy Share of Montana’s statewide art contest.

The winning drawing by Gia Beaudoin will grace the front of thank you cards sent by Energy Share to donors all around the state next year.

On Thursday, March 11, Energy Share Coordinator Anna Schreck from the Human Resource Council in Missoula presented Gia with her prize of $75.

“I’ve been doing this for three years, but the program started 24 years ago”, said Schreck. “I love Gia’s picture because it incorporates animals and her artistry skills have shown brightly.”

She also presented her teacher, Stacy Crabb, with a Walmart gift card to use for classroom needs.

“This is the second time we’ve had a winner in this contest. Kylie Quick took third place six or seven years ago. That’s when the award was $25 so this will be put to good use,” as she asked the class what school items they feel they need. “I appreciate Energy Share on how they are helping others and I think it’s a great program to have in the schools,” Crabb stated.

Tessa Scott and Kora Hardy of Sheridan won second and third places, respectively, in the contest. A billboard with Gia's drawing is up near the airport in Missoula.

Christy Beaudoin, Gia’s mother, was all smiles, too. “I’m just so proud of her and her hard work! It would be nice if she put some of the winnings into the bank, but she can do what she wants because it’s all hers”, she laughed.

Superior Elementary School Principal, Logan Labbe attended the ceremony, too, on a beautiful spring afternoon.

“Like all of us, I’m very proud of Gia and Mrs. Crabb’s entire fourth grade class for their work in this statewide school event.” Gia was modest but genuinely thrilled.

“I was excited when I drew it and didn’t know that I was going to win,” she beams. Asked if the pets she drew had names, she said, “We have 2 dogs and 3 cats so it’s kind of hard” but with a little help from her mother, they decided the dog resembled Moe and the cat looked like Kona.

Using the medium of art, Crabb has taught her students about our Montana neighbors who sometimes need a little additional help with keeping warm in the winter.

Per Energy Share’s contest guidelines, the drawings by her students depict what Energy Share means to them. 

The art contest is part of Energy Share’s overall efforts to educate the public on the energy needs of our neighbors across the state.

Donations from individuals and businesses across Montana make it possible for Energy Share to help Montanans who face emergency, no-heat situations when they encounter temporary financial difficulties.

Over the last two heating seasons working with the Human Resource Council, Energy Share helped nearly 800 families in Mineral, Missoula and Ravalli counties.

Statewide, Energy Share helped over 5,000 families over two years.

All the fourth graders who participated in the art contest send a big “thank you” to those who donate to Energy Share to help keep their neighbors warm.

The utility companies, propane industry and electric cooperatives also help support Energy Share.

If you would like more information, please call the Human Resource Council in Missoula at 406-728-3710.