May 21, 2025 – CBI – Lakewood, CO – A fifth-grade student from Greeley won first-place for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) National Missing Children's Day poster contest.
The annual poster contest, held by the CBI and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) since 2014, aims to recognize those who work to find missing children, increase safety awareness and start discussions amongst young students throughout the state.
All fifth-grade contestants were asked to draw a poster at the beginning of 2024, with the theme "Bringing Our Missing Children Home."
Perpetua Adams from St. Mary Catholic School in Greeley won this year's statewide contest with her poster of a crying girl on her knees looking towards a light, the only object in color in an otherwise black and white drawing.
"This year's artwork shows the talent of our youth in Colorado and how thoughtful images can shine a light on a community issue that affects far too many, said Interim CBI Director Rebecca Spiess.
More than 375,000 children were reported missing in 2023, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center.
The poster coincides with National Missing Children’s Day — an annual event since 1983 — that's typically held on May 25.
Because Adams' poster won the state competition, it was submitted to the national competition in Washington D.C.
Although Adams' poster did not win the national contest she was celebrated for her artistic representation of what this year's theme meant to her.
Irie Boettcher of Kremmling won second place in this year's contest. Vicky Molina from Trinidad won third place.
CBI Agents visited each of the three students at their respective schools to present the girls with certificates and to congratulate our Colorado winners.
1st Place Winner Perpetua Adams
1st Place Poster Winner: Perpetua Adams/Greeley, CO
2nd Place Poster Winner: Irie Boettcher/Kremmling, CO
3rd Placed Poster Winner: Vicky Molina/Trinidad, CO
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