The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has announced the winners of its 2025 Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention artwork contest. The competition invited students from across the state to submit artwork after learning about lead poisoning and its common sources.
A committee made up of members from four different programs within the department selected the winners. Anna Nash, a fifth grader from Wellington, took first place. Laila Scaggs, a fourth grader from Highlands Ranch, was awarded second place. Annali Cervantes, a kindergartener from Aurora, received third place. Their artwork will be featured in educational materials for parents and healthcare providers throughout Colorado, as well as on the department’s website.
Megan Snow, Program Manager for the Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, stated: “We were thrilled to develop the state’s first Lead Exposure Prevention Curriculum for grades K–5 and parents. Too much lead in the body can cause serious health effects, especially in children. We want to help parents and healthcare providers keep Colorado kids safe and healthy, and we’re grateful to the winners of our art contest who will help us spread the word about the dangers of lead.”
Lead exposure is known to harm brain development, slow growth, and cause learning or behavioral problems in children. A blood test is considered the most reliable way to determine if a child has elevated lead levels. The contest is part of an effort to raise awareness among families about blood lead testing and educate them on potential sources of lead exposure at home.
The Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works with families, healthcare professionals, and communities to highlight the importance of testing for lead exposure. When test results show that a child’s blood lead level exceeds guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the program offers in-home environmental investigations to identify possible sources of contamination.
More information about childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts in Colorado can be found on the program’s website.
Anna Nash (fifth grade) won first place; Laila Scaggs (fourth grade) placed second; Annali Cervantes (kindergarten) came in third.
