Attorney General Austin Knudsen has announced the winner of the fourth annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest. Jordyn Muggli, a fifth-grade student from Lincoln Grade School in Miles City, was named the winner during National Police Week.
Jordyn expressed her motivation for creating the poster by stating, "we know that the highway patrol and police are always there to protect us [no] matter what :)."
Attorney General Knudsen commented on the importance of the contest, saying, "Montana is a state that 'Backs the Blue' and this contest is a great way to instill that mentality in children at a young age. I know that law enforcement officers appreciate the support they receive from the community, especially from Montana’s youngest citizens. Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest, and I can’t wait to visit Miles City and celebrate with this year’s winner."
The winning entry was selected from over 175 submissions representing 35 classrooms across Montana. The Attorney General, along with Montana Highway Patrol Colonel Kurt Sager, plans to visit Jordyn and her class later this month for a celebration. Stockman Bank will award $750 to Jordyn's class.
Jordyn's poster will be displayed in Montana Department of Justice offices statewide and made available to law enforcement offices across Montana. Besides Jordyn's achievement, six regional winners were also recognized; each will receive $250 from Stockman Bank and an ice cream social delivered by local troopers.
The regional winners include Harley Hausmann of Corvallis (District One), Gabriel Oliver of Great Falls (District Two), Jaxson Richards of Helena (District Three), Jennessa Cantrell of Billings (District Four), Briggs Bollweg of Whitefish (District Six), and Lila Clawson of Belgrade (District Seven).
Attorney General Knudsen had initially announced the contest in February as an initiative encouraging elementary school students to show their appreciation for law enforcement officers who work daily to ensure community safety.