Congratulations to Webster Elementary 5th grade student, Ethan Corcoran, for being selected as the Iowa state winner of the “42nd Annual National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.” The contest, hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice, invites 5th grade students from across the country to raise awareness about the issue of missing children through art and written expression. Participants are asked to create a poster that reflects the theme of the year and to write an accompanying essay that explains their artwork and the importance of helping bring missing children home. Ethan’s poster was selected for its powerful imagery and message, which perfectly embodied this year’s theme: “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” 

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) honored Ethan throughout the day on May 28, 2025. In celebration, DPS treated Ethan’s class to a pizza party where the DPS Trooper Dog mascot stopped by to get photos with the class. The class got to check out the DPS Tac Team Bearcat vehicle, a trooper car, participate in a Q/A, and meet Matt Pickles—the DPS therapy K-9. During an all-school assembly, the Assistant Director DCI Field Operations Bureau, Donald Schnitker, presented the award to Ethan, in addition to a full size poster of his winning art. Congratulations, Ethan! We are #proudofU!

(Portions of news release courtesy of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.)

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