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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation recently sponsored a poster contest for students in third through eighth grades at Tenkiller School. The poster contest was an effort by the Cherokee Nation and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality to raise awareness on the dangers of radon gas.

According to Shaun West, environmental specialist with the Cherokee Nation, radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and Cherokee County has the highest percentage of homes in Oklahoma that have tested positive for radon.

The first place winners in the contest were: Haden Smith, third grade; Deborah Taylor, fourth grade; Amber Hunter, fifth grade; Aileen Holmes, sixth grade; Kady Sloate, seventh grade; and Rebecca Hartsoe, eighth grade. Second place winners were: Lindsey Fox, third grade; Robert Girdner, fourth grade; Tiffany Holmes, fifth grade; Keli Gonzales, sixth grade; LaRea Scott, seventh grade; and Summer Hamby, eighth grade. Third place winners were: Jasmine Redden, third grade; Rian Crager, fourth grade, Monica Burson, fifth grade; Whitney Gircher, sixth grade; Kate Teehee, seventh grade; and Krisha B., eighth grade. The best overall winners were first place: Aileen Holmes, sixth grade. Second place: Amber Hunter, fifth grade. Third place: Keli Gonzales, sixth grade.

Winners received plaques, and overall winners received trophies and a gift. All students who participated received a certificate and information on the dangers of radon gas.

For more information on radon gas, contact Shaun West, phone 918-456-2900.