2026 Montana Student Poster Contest Announced

I have zero artistic talent. At least in the traditional sense. I can't draw, I can't paint, heck, I can't even write legibly.

This is how poor my handwriting is. I know, it looks like a child's. Credit: Ace Sauerwein

There it is — that’s how bad my handwriting is…

The good news is, you're more talented than I am, and you'll have a chance to win the 2026 Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest.

Submissions are open for the 2026 Montana Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today. Elementary school students throughout Montana are encouraged to participate in the fifth annual poster contest by submitting artwork which displays their appreciation for Montana law enforcement officers. - Press release from the office of Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen

Kids all over the state can apply. There will be 7 winners selected from all 7 Highway Patrol districts.

And get this... the winners get $250 courtesy of Stockman Bank, and more importantly, the winners receive an ice cream social courtesy of the Highway Patrol.

via GIPHY

Here are the rules you have to follow:

Applicants must be in elementary school.
Artwork should reflect why the student appreciates law enforcement.
Artwork that has been digitally produced is not allowed. Artwork should be created using acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, markers, crayons, pastels, or others.
The preferred size for posters is 8.5 x 14 inches. Submissions that are 8.5×11 and 11×17 will also be allowed.
To complete the submission, the applicant must also include a brief biography and a completed application.

If you can follow those rules, then here's the application link.