LINCOLN, Neb. – A Hemingford fourth-grader took the top spot recently in the Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

Clayton Butler, 10, was one of four students honored March 5 during a proclamation signing, declaring March 25-31 Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state. The students received certificates from Lt. Gov. Mike Foley.

Butler’s winning poster designed featured Blue Lightning, a super hero who teaches about safety, along with a comic strip about Opposite Cooper, a guy who’s repeated struck by lightning because he doesn’t follow basic safety practices during storms. Blue Lightning is featured, saying: “Safety is super, so don’t be like Cooper!”

“We want all Nebraskans to take some time during Severe Weather Awareness Week to prepare for spring and summer severe weather,” said Bryan Tuma, NEMA assistant director. “The devastating impacts of extreme events can be reduced through improved readiness. Make a safety plan, create a preparedness kit and review proper safety precautions. It is a good practice for those of us who live in areas affected by tornadoes, floods and severe thunderstorms.”

The annual contest was open to all fourth-grade students in Nebraska. County emergency management coordinators submitted the top three posters from local county competitions for the final judging at the state level.

Posters were judged on originality, effort and accuracy. The top prize is a $125 gift card, second is $100 and third $75, all provided by NAEM. NWS provides a $50 gift card for fourth place. NEMA provides certificates for all the students and the Nebraska Military Department mats the posters as a remembrance