By Ron VandenBoom
Sunnyside School students Shayla Preeshl and Chelsea Small received first place honors Wednesday for winning the Draw a Stamp Contest sponsored by the Havre Post Office as part of National Stamp Collecting Month.
Preeshl, a third-grader, and Small, a fifth-grader, each received a new stamp collecting album for their efforts and will have their drawings advance to the statewide competition to be held in Billings on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
Smalls drawing of mountains, Old Faithful, and a moose was inspired, she said, by a trip she made recently to Yellowstone Park.
I just thought about mountains when I thought about Montana, she said. My teacher helped us, too.
Preshel said her drawing of a tent, a lake full of fish, and wheelbarrow full of gardening tools was inspired because, I go camping a lot and fishing, and I just thought it was something like Montana.
Small has already started her stamp collection, her mother, Georgene Small, said, as she explained her feelings about the her daughters win.
I think its great, she said. Ive been saving stamps for her and her brother. She doesnt even know what I have for her. Ive been saving since they were babies.
She added that she was real proud of her daughters artwork and believes she really works hard at it.
Preeshl has not started her stamp collection yet and said she doesnt really have a favorite stamp.
I like lots of stamps, she said.
Preeshls father, Rocky Preeshl, said his daughter really likes drawing and also enjoys collecting Pokemon Cards.
But her grandmother collects stamps and this will probably get her started, he said.
The two students competed against about 70 entries to win the contest that was judged by local stamp collecting enthusiasts Wally Duchscher and Dr. William Rader.
Postal clerk Wayne Chagnon organized the contest and arranged for the judging.
All of the entries are on display at the Havre Post Office.
