WATER VALLEY, Miss. (WTVA)--The nation was hit with a record number of wildfires this year costing billions of dollars.
One student in Water Valley is well awawre of the staggering statistics and decided to enter a contest to spread the word.
Collin Sharp of Davidson Elementary entered a contest his fourth grade year sponsored by the Garden Club.
It's the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster Contest.
Students were to demonstrate through original drawings of Smokey Bear their understanding of wildfire prevention.
Collin won the local contest in Water Valley.
"It's very important for them to know that the littlest thing they throw away could start a wildfire and burn many acres of woods and harm the wildlife," said Garden Club member Lisa Edwards.
Collin then competed in the regional contest for northern Mississippi and won again.
Next up was the statewide competition and Collin took the top spot once again.
"It helps them learn about wildfires and how to handle it in case they are in that situation. It's good for students to learn besides what's at school," said Garden Club member Viola Moore.
"His attention to detail on everything that he does you will notice on his poster," said Collin's mother Jill Sharp.
Collin's poster took him even further when he took first place in the fourth grade category during the national contest.
"He's a very special child. He's very smart and willing to help," added Edwards.
Collin says it took a couple of days to think of the concept for his poster and he used markers.
His most difficult task?
"Probably Smokey because of all the detail and the fur you have to make it look realistic," Collin said.
"It's outstanding. It shows you the type of young man he is and he's always demonstrating good character," said Davidson Elementary School Principal Chester Drewrey.
