2008 Michigan's Best of Show artwork by Yi Li of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Yi Li is Michigan's Best of Show winner in the Junior Duck Stamp contest held on March 27, 2008, at the Green Point Environmental Learning Center, part of Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, in Saginaw.  Her piece entitled "Where the Sky and Water Meet," was done in colored pencil and acrylic and featured a pair of Red-breasted mergansers.  Li is the daughter of Zhong and Julee Li of Ann Arbor.  She is a junior at Huron High School in Ann Arbor.  Li has been drawing since about age 9 and received a third place award in last year's Junior Duck Stamp contest.  Li's artwork went against the rest of the country's Best of Shows in the national competition held at the San Diego Zoo in California on April 17.  Seokkyun Hong of Texas won first place in the national competition.  Her artwork will be made into the Federal Junior Duck Stamp for 2008-2009.

   Three hundred and twenty-one students in grades K-12 entered Michigan's contest this year.  Entries came from all parts of the state and included students from public schools, private schools, art schools, and home schools.  Russ Terry of Ducks Unlimited, one of the five judges who selected winning artwork said, "Ducks Unlimited is proud to be a partner again in this year's Junior Duck Stamp Contest.  It is so important to foster an appreciation for habitat conservation in our youth, and the Junior Duck Stamp Program is a great way to do it.  Plus, the proceeds from the sale of the stamp support conservation education."

   On April 26, 2008, an awards ceremony was held for all first through third place winners at Green Point Environmental Learning Center.  Sixteen of the winners attended, along with their families and teachers.  Altogether 70 people enjoyed viewing the winners artwork and eating cake afterwards.  Each winner received a refuge backpack, personalized magnet of their artwork, duck call, drawing paper, colored pencils, 2007-2008 Junior Duck Stamp, ribbon, and a plaque.  Five teachers were honored for their exceptional efforts in this year's contest.  They were Lois Ege of Grand Rapids, Lisa Gabriel of Birch Run, Anne Keller of Ada, Karlene King of Sturgis and Shawna Richardson of Ishpeming. Each teacher received an $80 gift certificate to purchase art supplies from Dick Blick.