Courtesy Photo­Image First place

Courtesy Photo­Image Second place

Courtesy Photo­Image Third place

Brynn Wortmann, 10, a fourth grade student from Holy Trinity in Hartington, earned first place with her poster: Lightning is Frightening ... Respect It in the annual severe weather poster contest.

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The contest is sponsored by the Nebraska Association of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

The contest was open to Nebraska fourth grade students. Gov. Dave Heineman will recognize the top four finishers at a proclamation signing for Severe Weather Awareness Week at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 25-29 and is observed to increase awareness of, and response to, severe weather hazards.

A statewide tornado drill is scheduled as part of the week on March 27.

“Severe Weather Awareness Week is designed to encourage Nebraskans prepare for severe weather by making a safety plan and reviewing proper safety precautions for protecting their lives,” said Al Berndt, NEMA assistant director. “We hope the poster contest gives students an early lesson on preparedness that they can share with their families.”

Through the poster contest, fourth graders from across the state encourage Nebraskans to follow weather safety precautions.

Jerome Silva, 9, a St. Paul Elementary School, earned second place for his “KNOWLEDGE + PREPAREDNESS” poster that featured items to include in an emergency kit and information on tornado watches and warnings.

Cleopatra Thomas, 10, of Creighton, a St. Ludger Elementary student finished third. Her message was “Keep Safe in A Blizzard." It showcased items people should include in a vehicle survival kit.”

Fourth place was awarded to Izak Spann, 9, of Wymore, a Southern Elementary School student. His poster “Keeping Safe During Nature’s Fury” outlined tornado and safety tips.

Posters were judged on originality, effort and accuracy. The top prize is a $125 gift card, second is $100 and third $75 all sponsored by NAEM.

NWS provides a $50 gift card for fourth place.

Each winner will receive a Weather Alert Radio courtesy of B.J. Fictum, Saline County Emergency Management director. NEMA has the four winning posters matted and framed for the students.