Children’s Conservation Cartoon Competition
As part of the annual J.N. “Ding” Darling Birthday Celebration and Wildlife Refuge Week, students from six area schools will have the opportunity to follow the legacy of the renowned editorial cartoonist, Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling. Among the chosen schools is Pine Island Elementary School.
On Sept. 15, editorial cartoonist Doug McGregor visited the school and spoke to the students about conservation, the history of the wildlife refuge system and its founder “Ding” Darling, the history of cartooning, and how to create an editorial cartoon.
“Participating in the Conservation Cartoon Contest is a wonderful opportunity for PIE students to show creativity while responding to a local concern,” said fifth grade teacher Tina Garris. “Our children really care about our beautiful island, so the issue of environmental conservation is very relevant to them. It’s a real honor to participate in the program, since only six schools in the district have the opportunity to do so.:
The students are expected to learn the first and second place winners by Oct. 10. Then on Sunday, Oct. 16, as part of the “Ding” Darling Free Family Fun Day event, the winning students will be honored. Awards will be presented by cartoonist Dough McGregor from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge Education Center on Sanibel Island.