Mokelumne Hill, CA…The Calaveras County Attendance Awareness Poster Contest, now in its eighth year, continues to celebrate the creativity of students while emphasizing the importance of attending school. Established in 2016, the contest is a collaborative effort of the Calaveras County Office of Education, the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB), the Calaveras County Sheriff, and the Calaveras County District Attorney. This year’s contest set a new record with 333 entries from elementary schools across the county. Clarissa Killip, a 5th grader at Mokelumne Hill Elementary, won first place and received a $150 award. Her poster will be printed and distributed countywide to promote attendance awareness.

Pictured above (left to right) CCOE’s Admin. Secretary and SARB Coordinator Lisa Hill, Winner Clarissa Killip, CCOE Superintendent Karen Vail, and 5/6^th grade teacher Julie Anne Bennett

Clarissa, who participated last year as a 4th grader, is thrilled to have won this year and looks forward to competing again next year. Reflecting on her inspiration, she shared, “Attendance is important for getting good grades and a way to see my good friends at school.”

Second place winner, Hayden Mason a 6^th grader at Sierra Hills Education Center received $100 and 3^rd place winner, Marilyn Woods a 6^th grader at West Point Elementary, received $50 and Asher Taylor in kindergarten at Hazel Fischer Elementary received Honorable Mention. Open to students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through 6th grades, the contest welcomed TK participants for the first time this year.

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