2. National Missing Childrens Day first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. President Reagan used the 1979 abduction of 6- year-old Etan Patz to mark May 25 th as Missing Childrens Day. Every administration since has observed Missing Childrens Day.

4. This observance provides an opportunity to honor hard-working and dedicated law enforcement officers, celebrate the recovery of missing children, and draw attention to children who are still missing. I commend local, state, and Federal law enforcement personnel for the important role they play... -GEORGE W. BUSH May 25, 2001

5. In 1999 the Department of Justices Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) initiated the National Poster Contest. The annual theme of the Poster Contest is Bring Our Missing Children Home. The contest is directed to children in the 5 th grade.

6. This picture that I made represents the pathway leading home. There are names if children who are missing on the path and around the world. The world represents all the children of the world who are missing, endangered runaway, or have been abducted an the house on top of the world is where they are all going to. The path represents the path leading home! Kelsey Sauerer (Minnesota)

7. For my poster I made thumbprints because if someone is lost or missing it can help the police locate the children. I also did handprint because it goes with lend a helping hand. I drew handcuffs because criminals sometimes have to wear them. I made a police car because the police play a big part in finding missing children. I drew a magnifying class because detectives often use them. Lastly I drew a flashlight because when you are searching form something you may use a flashlight to find it. Carissa Hahn (Minnesota)

8. Missing children have become one of the leading problems and concerns around the world. No matter how we get these children home, we welcome them with open arms. I chose a train in my poster to bring missing children home safely. I hope to fill the train with joyful, smiling children eager to once again be with their loving families. Harris Elizabeth Fyfe (Tennessee)

9. My drawing shows some of the ways children can be safe, such as using the buddy system,. Another is the tummy yell, which draws attention to if someone attempts to kidnap you. the third is not to talk to strangers, and the last is always listen to your parents- your parents know whats best for you and will always try to protect you. Dana Sever (California) San Jose, CA

10. In D.C. I went to the Department of Justice building for the ceremony and to receive an award there as well. While I was sitting in my chair I heard about all kinds of people who had been kidnapped and returned, but I also heard about all those who had been kidnapped and not returned. If you win the poster contest imagine how many peoples' lives you could change, and save in the world and how much of a difference you could make. Catherine Braun (Missouri)

11. Winning the National Missing Children's Poster Contest has been amazing. My State honored me in a ceremony at my school. Lots of important people in our government showed up, along with my family and friends. I also met our Governor in Columbus. Then we traveled to Washington. My time in Washington was unbelievable. Meeting these people was inspiring. Being there really made me think about how big of a difference this contest can make. Rachel Stevenson (Ohio)

12. Winning the 2008National Missing Children's Poster Contest has changed and became part of my life. I was thrilled about going to Washington DC. I got to meet a lot of important people like the Senators from Utah and the Attorney General. I also had a chance to meet with people who were actually abducted. Meeting these people made me realize how this contest can affect peoples lives and how we can actually make a change in the world. Doyoun Park (Utah)

13. In 2007 DOE joined with DOJ to promote the poster contest. Information was sent to all the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program Coordinators and State Department of Education Directors.

14. State Missing Children Clearinghouses and Missing Children Non-Profit Organizations manage the contest at the state level. They work directly with local schools to promote and organize the competition. Other state and local agencies/organizations participate in the contest. Efforts are made to encourage integration of the contest into lesson plans in the schools.

15. Applicant must be in the 5th grade. Artwork should reflect the theme Bring Our Missing Children Home. This phrase must appear somewhere on the poster. The theme must be depicted visually in one or a combination of mediums, such as: acrylics, watercolor, pencil, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons, pastels, etc.

16. The finished poster must measure 11 x 14 inches. The poster must be submitted with a completed application which includes a description of the poster and a brief biography of the artist. States select their own first place winner. The winner of each state competition is sent to DOJ for the national judging.

17. Contact your State Missing Children Clearinghouse Manager to confirm the statewide judging process. The state's Missing Children Clearinghouse Manager will manage and coordinate the statewide judging and winner selection.Missing Children Clearinghouse Manager Establish your local process for selecting a winner. The process used to determine the winner of the local competitions will be the responsibility of the local entities. Include local non-profit organizations and other missing children organizations in the local judging process. Competition may be conducted within the following: schools, school districts, home schools, local governing bodies, PTA's, Boys and Girls Club, etc.

18. Mail your schools entry to: Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation ATTN: DOJ Poster Contest C/O Julie Kindle 6600 N. Harvey Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Entries must be received by March 13, 2009

19. At the national level, judging will be conducted by representatives from OJJDP, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the law enforcement community. The national award winner, his/her parents, and his/her teacher will be notified by OJJDP. They will receive a trip to Washington, DC.

20. Each state establishes its own rules and deadlines for local and state competitions. Contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to find information about your state competition. http://www.ok.gov/osbi/Investigative/Internet_Crimes_ Against_Children/

21. The winning poster (original and copies) will be displayed at the Department of Justice and other locations as determined by the Department of Justices Child Protection Division, OJJDP. The winning poster may be used in publications, exhibits, displays and on web sites as determined by the Department of Justices Child Protection Division, OJJDP.

22. This years winning poster will be used as the symbol for the National Missing Children's Day ceremony in 2010. The winner will once again travel to Washington, DC in 2010 when his/her poster will be presented as the national symbol for Missing Children's Day, 2010. Photos of the winner and his/her poster will be available through the Child Protection Division and the Department of Justice and will be posted wherever contest information is available.

23. January, 2009 Begin discussing safety issues with students Provide poster contest information to 5th grade students March 13, 2009 Deadline for school posters to be received by OSBI March 27, 2009 Deadline for state winner contest packages to be received by the Child Protection Division, OJJDP April, 2009 National Judges submit the name of the poster contest winner May 1, 2009 National winner notified Travel arrangements will be provided for the National winner to attend the National Missing Children's Day ceremony