Sometimes you have to take it where you can get it. And with all of the negative news rolling out of the Kentucky Department of Transportation the past several years, this part of the year is always quite welcome in our eyes.

The 2009 Adopt-a-Highway Post Contest winners have been announced. Nearly 2,000 students entered.

“The purpose of the contest is to increase environmental awareness among children,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “We hope to educate our young people about the devastating effects of litter, and to change attitudes and behaviors about littering.”

1st place in each category wins a $100 savings bond and a framed print of their winning poster. 2nd, 3rd & 4th places receive a $50 savings bond along with framed prints of their posters. Awards will be presented today during a lunch at the Governor’s Mansion.

The winners, by age category:

6-8 Category
1st – Clayton Biggerstaff – Gamaliel Elementary (Monroe Co)
2nd – Tahlon Lambdin – Rangeland Elementary (Jefferson Co)
3rd – Brylee Pickerell – Joe Harrison Carter Elementary (Monroe Co)

FIRST PLACE AGE 6-8

9-11 Category
1st – Sonia Linan Ortega – Whitney Young Elementary (Jefferson Co)
2nd – Hanson Zhou – Williamston Independent Schools (Grant Co)
3rd – Laura Hamilton – Gamaliel Elementary (Monroe Co)

FIRST PLACE AGE 9-11

12-14 Category
1st – Eve Berry – Glasgow High School (Barren Co)
2nd – Alec Dalton – Williamstown Independent schools (Grant Co)
3rd – Madison Bowden – Barren Co Middle School

FIRST PLACE AGE 12-14

15-17 Category
1st – Taylor Stith – Williamstown Independent Schools (Grant Co)
2nd – Steve Faulkner – Williamstown Independent Schools (Grant Co)
3rd – Charlotte Brindley – Logan County High School

FIRST PLACE AGE 15-17