Last spring, my gifted students had the opportunity to enter the 2023 Barbara Petchenick Children’s Map Competition for ages 15 and younger (https://cartogis.org/awards/children). The students entered a drawn map to depict this year’s theme of “A Future World.” After the U.S. judging, there were 9 Honorable Mentions: Gabriella Lopez, Maria Fahdi, Sofia Brinkman, Finley Frost, JJ Melesky, Anna Ringer, Darby Altenbach, Kate Bolan, Jari Trapp, and Anthony Nickas. Jari Trapp also received “Best Use of Symbolism.” In the age 6 to 8 category, Addison Chrzanowski won First Place, Moly Col won Second Place, and Sally Henley placed Third. For the age 9 to 12 category, Madelyn Dosen won First Place and Lucas Frady won Second Place. They received an award letter and a book. I am proud of each of them.

Three of the maps done by Addison Chrzanowski, Madelyn Dosen, and Lucas Frady went on to South Africa to be displayed as International Finalists. They did not win, but what an honor to be on display with maps from around the world!