Hartford, CT—Colorful posters dotted the lobby of the State Capitol yesterday as advocates, students, and supporters gathered to vote for the winner of the 2025 Student Climate Poster Contest. With over 40 posters submitted, 12 finalists were selected by a team of judges including State Representative John-Michael Parker.
“As both an advocate for climate action and someone deeply committed to arts education, I was truly inspired by the creativity and passion these students brought to the 2025 Climate Poster Competition,” said Representative Parker, chair of the Environment Committee. “Their artwork is more than an expression—it’s a powerful call to protect our planet, and a reminder that the next generation is ready to lead. It’s an honor to celebrate their vision and voice at the State Capitol.”
In 2022, Connecticut became one of the first states to require Climate Change Studies as part of its science curriculum in public schools (grades 5-12). The CT Coalition for Climate Action (CCCA) started the student Climate Poster Competition in 2024 in celebration of our state prioritizing climate education.
“When I assigned the poster assignment for the Climate Change contest, I did not realize the high-quality of work and creativity that my students would produce. I was impressed by the time and energy they put into researching what is hurting our planet and what can be done to fix it. I am extremely proud of their work and efforts,” said Krista Taylor, a teacher at Brunswick School, which had several students submit posters to the competition.
The winners were announced at a celebration in the Capitol lobby on Wednesday. Over 160 supporters and over 25 legislators came to view the posters, vote for their favorites, and cheer for the students.
Attendees of the event voted for 3 finalists, and the winners were announced by Representative Patrick Callahan, Representative Parker, Senator Saud Anwar, Representative Aundre Bumgardner, and Representative Tom Delnicki.
In first place was Shanaya Grover, age 11, from South Windsor.
In second place was Kendrick Hester, age 10 from East Hartford, and in third place was Grayson Monette, age 11 from South Windsor.
Students and parents felt that the poster contest was an empowering exercise helping young people see a vision for the future:
“This poster was a joint art-science project where I had to think about how to inspire people to be more eco-friendly and educate people about climate change. I wanted everyone to think about the long-term effects of climate change and about how they have to decide what they want the future to look like. My poster is a reflection of what life might look like if we do nothing (the crowded city filled with pollution) and what it could look like if we take action (nature filled with clean air and trees),” said Wesley Malouin, Brunswick Class of 2031.
“Together, we can fight climate change. This is a very meaningful event that promotes students’ awareness of climate change,” said Xiaotang Huang, 14, a student from Woodbridge.
“The poster contest is a great way to get students involved in educating the public on the impact of climate change. By combining art and science, Wes was able to find a creative way to captivate citizens and encourage them to think about the adverse effects of pollution as compared to what life might look like if we commit to taking better care of our environment,” said Julia Malouin, parent of one of the participants.
The CT Coalition for Climate Action comprises environmental advocates, health experts, labor and municipal representatives, and others advocating for climate action in Connecticut. Formed in 2023, the Coalition’s central demand is that Connecticut keep its promise to cut climate pollution and protect our future. Members of the coalition’s steering committee are Save the Sound, American College of Physicians – CT Chapter, ConnPIRG, Conservation Law Foundation, CT Health Professionals for Climate Action, CT League of Conservation Voters, Environment Connecticut, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Mitchell Environmental Health Associates, People’s Action for Clean Energy, Sierra Club CT, and the Nature Conservancy in CT. More information at www.climateactionct.org
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