City of Mankato Arbor Day Poster Contest winners announced
The City of Mankato is celebrating local student artists and the importance of trees through the 2026 Arbor Day Poster Contest. More than 40 entries were submitted by Mankato students in kindergarten through fifth grade, each highlighting this year’s theme, “Growing a Better Tomorrow Together.”
The annual contest encourages young residents to explore environmental stewardship and the many benefits trees provide to the community—from improving air quality and conserving energy to supporting wildlife and enhancing neighborhood livability.
Winners were recognized at the Mankato City Council meeting on Monday, April 27, where they received a certificate and a City of Mankato prize pack in honor of their accomplishments. In addition, first-place winners will have a tree planted in a City park of their choice, creating a lasting impact in the community.
The contest was judged by Justin Lundborg, Natural Resources Specialist with the City of Mankato.
Entries are judged in three grade-level categories, with three winners selected in each:
Kindergarten and First Grade:
- First place: Theo Brouwer, first grade
- Second place: Lucy Sadaka, first grade
- Third place: Max Abraham, first grade
Second and Third Grade:
- First place: Izabela Nieves, second grade
- Second place: James Becker, second grade
- Third place: Adelyn Anderson, second grade
Fourth and Fifth Grade:
- First place: Talulah Templin, fourth grade
- Second place: Kendra Schmidt, fourth grade
- Third place: Scarlett Smith, fourth grade
Learn more about the contest at mankatomn.gov/arborday.
Grade K-1 Winners (L-R): Max Abraham, Lucy Sadaka, Theo Brouwer
Grade 2-3 Winners (L-R): Izabela Nieves, James Becker, Adelyn Anderson
Grade 4-5 Winners (L-R): Talulah Templin, Kendra Schmidt, Scarlett Smith
