Aubrey Sulkowski, a talented 9th-grade student at Effingham College & Career Academy, recently competed in the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2026 Youth Birding T-shirt Art Contest. This isn't just any art show—the judges look for a perfect blend of artistic skill and scientific accuracy. Aubrey’s beautiful painting of a Ross’s Goose took home 1st Place in the High School Division.

The competition was fierce, with 147 entries representing 34 different schools across Georgia. The "blind" judging process ensured that winners were chosen solely on the quality of their work, and Aubrey’s talent truly rose to the top.

Aubrey will receive a $60 Amazon gift card and an invitation to the Youth Birding Competition banquet in Mansfield, GA, on April 18. We invite the entire Effingham community to join us in congratulating Aubrey on this prestigious win. Her dedication to her craft is a wonderful example of the talent we are proud to foster in our district.