JAKES Essay Contest Winners Announced!

What an incredible year for the Virginia NWTF JAKES Essay Contest! Thank you to everyone who submitted an essay—we were truly blown away by the quality of writing, the heartfelt stories, and the amazing outdoor experiences that were shared. Reading each essay was an absolute joy, and choosing winners was no easy task!

A huge THANK YOU as well to our judges who took the time to thoughtfully read and score every submission. Your dedication makes this contest possible.

Now… let’s celebrate our 2025 WINNERS! 

1st Place - $200 2nd Place - $100 3rd Place - $50

🟢 8 & Under
🥇 1st Place: Brody H. – Ronceverte, WV
🥈 2nd Place: Cooper T. – Hardy, VA
🥉 3rd Place: Carolina H. – Mount Jackson, VA

🟢 Ages 9–12
🥇 1st Place: Micah L. – Elkton, VA
🥈 2nd Place: Ivy Grace S. – Boones Mill, VA
🥉 3rd Place: AJ C. – Rockingham, VA

🟢 Ages 13–17
🥇 1st Place: Maren P. – Troutville, VA
🥈 2nd Place: Braelen P. – Summerfield, NC
🥉 3rd Place: Adalynn H. – Mount Jackson, VA

👏 Congratulations to all of our winners! And to every young hunter and outdoorsman who entered—keep writing, keep sharing your stories, and keep making memories in the great outdoors. We are proud of every single one of you!

🦃Stay Tuned for More JAKES Fun Ahead!🦃