To celebrate Earth Day 2025, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) organized a statewide poster contest for students in grades 4-12. The theme for this year was “Protect & Preserve Florida’s Living Waters,” aiming to raise environmental awareness among young students.
This theme also marks the 50th anniversary of the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act, which has been instrumental in protecting the state’s aquatic ecosystems over the past fifty years. Currently, there are 43 aquatic preserves across Florida.
Finalists were chosen from three grade-level categories—grades 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12—from each of DEP’s six district offices. Their artwork was reviewed by DEP staff in Tallahassee, who selected a state winner for each category.
“Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Earth Day Poster Contest, and thank you to all who participated,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “I’m inspired by these students’ creativity and their awareness of Florida’s environment. They understand that protecting our natural resources is a shared responsibility that we can fulfill through education, passion and action.”
The state winners are as follows:
Grades 4-5 State Winner: Cole from Grade 5 at Discovery Academy of Science with “Save the Ocean.”
Grades 6-8 State Winner: Itsani Zacnite from Grade 8 at Florida Virtual School with “Florida Waters, A Call for Protección.”
Grades 9-12 State Winner: Alejandra from Grade 11 at Osceola County School for the Arts with “Let Our Waters Thrive.”
While Earth Day is observed on April 22 every year, DEP emphasizes its ongoing commitment to safeguarding Florida’s air, water, and land as part of its role in environmental management and stewardship.
At DEP, every day is considered Earth Day. For those interested in celebrating Florida’s environment throughout the year and taking meaningful steps towards conservation efforts, visiting their Earth Day 2025 webpage is recommended.
