Two G.I. students win national art contest

Grand Island students Robbie Van Heufeln and Brooke McCallum now officially outrank their parents, their teachers and their principals.

The duo became admirals in the Nebraska Navy Tuesday afternoon when Gov. Dave Heineman bestowed them with the honor for having their artwork selected as part of a national competition for the 2009 Cyber Security Calendar.

"It is always great news to see our young people recognized at the national level," Heineman said. "Through this calendar, these talented students are getting the message out to their peers across the nation about the importance of being safe online."

A third Nebraska student, Hailey Paxton of Stuart, also had her artwork selected to be in the calendar.

Van Heufeln's entry shows a boy typing on a computer, with a large calendar behind him. The words "Stay up to date with Internet safety" are written across the top of the poster. Though now a Grand Island Central Catholic student, Van Heufeln was a Knickrehm Elementary School student when he created the poster.

McCallum's artwork is a play on the saying "surfing the Web." The poster shows a boy on a surfboard with the tips, "don't let cyber sharks bully you," "cyber strangers can pull you under," and "let the waves of education protect you," listed below him. McCallum now attends Stolley Park Elementary School, but was formerly a student at Aurora Elementary School.

Both students said they made their posters to help educate kids on staying safe online.

"This is amazing," McCallum said as she fought back tears.

Heineman said more than 150 fourth- and fifth-grade students submitted artwork in Nebraska and the state winners were forwarded to a national contest, which included students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. Twelve winners were selected with, McCallum being featured in May, Van Heufeln in June and Paxton in July of the 2009 calendar.

"Normally, we'd be lucky to get one and two would be unbelievable," Heineman said, placing his hands on the kids' shoulders. "But it's extraordinary to have three. I'm proud to be the governor of the great state of Nebraska and these two kids are two of the reasons why. Congratulations again. Great job."

In addition to the admiral honor, Heineman presented each child with a copy of the calendar, a T-shirt and an iPod shuffle.

According to a press release from the governor's office, the calendar project was developed in 2007 to increase awareness among children about Internet safety. The contest is open to fourth- and fifth-graders and is coordinated by the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Images of the calendar are available at www.msisac.org by clicking on the "October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month" link.