Poster for missing children depicts reunited families 

Attorney General Tim Fox today presented Lexi Erdahl, a fifth-grader at Radley Elementary School in East Helena, with the 2016 award for the Montana Bring Our Missing Children Home poster contest.

“Lexi’s colorful poster depicts the opportunity that exists each new day for reuniting missing children with their loved ones,” Attorney General Tim Fox said.  “It tells the story of children from all over the country who are missing, and that we must never give up hope for finding them.  Lexi’s winning entry also serves as a timely reminder for parents and care-givers in communities large and small to talk to children about personal safety, in particular, how to stay safe on-line,” Attorney General Fox added.

Poster artwork was judged on originality, creativity, use of color and materials, and reflection of the contest’s theme. Written poster applications were judged on the level of understanding of the subject, clarity, and grammar.

Lexi’s class, as well her family, joined her at the award ceremony with Attorney General Fox this morning. She received a $100 cash prize and her poster was submitted to the national contest.

“This program allows Montana fifth-graders to compete in state and national poster contests while giving schools the opportunity to teach students about personal safety,” said Jennifer Viets, Montana’s Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager.  “It is an honor to submit Lexi’s poster to the national Missing Children’s Day Poster contest.  Her poster reminds us that a child can go missing anywhere.”  There are currently 61 missing school-aged children in Montana.

This is the eighth time Montana has participated in the annual national Bring Our Missing Children Home poster contest.  Lexi’s winning poster is available below and on Montana Department of Justice Missing Persons website at www.doj.mt.gov/missing-persons. This website also provides information on Montana’s AMBER Alert and Missing Persons programs, which are operated by the Division of Criminal Investigation at the Montana Department of Justice.