Adam Yurigan of Vero Beach, Florida, won first place in the photo contest with his image of car drivers and bicyclists traversing a landscape of power plants and lamp posts (below). 

Submissions illustrated the theme "We Depend on Energy."

Darwin Lau of Virginia Beach, Virginia, won first place in the visual arts contest with a colorful drawing of energy sources, uses, and users in her community (below).

Students in grades K-5 made two-dimensional artworks illustrating the theme "Energy on Earth."

Kayli Hall of Paradise, Texas, won first place in the essay contest with her writing about where energy comes from, how it affects the environment, and ways people can be effective stewards of resources. To read Kayli's essay, click here.

Students in grades 6-9 wrote essays of up to 300 words addressing this year’s theme, "How Energy Powers the Planet."

Finalists (in alphabetical order):

• Benjamin Hughes
• Francesca Peavie
• Ramya Radhakrishnan
• Michael Thew

The views and assertions presented in essays are neither endorsed by nor reflect the positions the American Geosciences Institute.